A Complete Map of Export Support for SMEs and Mid-Sized Firms Entering Bangladesh
The Korean government and public institutions operate a wide range of support programs to help SMEs and mid-sized firms enter Bangladesh. In practice, however, those programs are spread across KOTRA, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Korea Customs Service, K-SURE, the Export-Import Bank of Korea, and other agencies, making it difficult for companies to understand which program to use and in what sequence.
This guide organizes more than 15 support programs that can be used for Bangladesh by export stage and provides a one-stop overview of eligibility requirements, support scope, application methods, and ways to combine multiple programs. It is designed for both first-time exporters and companies looking to scale up existing exports.
Programs to Use at Each Export Stage
The optimal combination of export support programs changes depending on a company's export maturity. The key is to separate the process into market research, buyer discovery, certification and testing, contract and customs execution, and market expansion, then align support tools accordingly.
Detailed Review of Core Support Programs
| Program | Lead Agency | Support Scope | Eligibility | Company Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOTRA Global Partnering / Branch Office Program | KOTRA | Buyer discovery, market research, customs support | SMEs and mid-sized firms | KRW 12M+/year |
| Export Voucher Program | MSS | Marketing, certification, logistics, consulting | Revenue under KRW 50B | 30-50% |
| Overseas Market Research | KOTRA | Customized target market and buyer reports | All firms | KRW 400K+/case |
| Overseas Exhibition Support | KOTRA / MSS | Booth, freight, interpretation support | SMEs and mid-sized firms | 20-40% |
| Trade Delegations | KOTRA / Local Governments | 1:1 local buyer meetings | All firms | KRW 700K-800K |
| Overseas Certification Support | KOTRA / MSS | Cost support for local certifications | SMEs | 30-50% |
| FTA Consulting | Korea Customs Service | Rules of origin and FTA utilization support | All firms | Free |
| Trade Insurance | K-SURE | Insurance against non-payment risk | All firms | Insurance premium |
KOTRA Branch Office Program: The Core Option
For many firms entering Bangladesh, the most effective option is KOTRA's branch office support program. Dedicated staff at the KOTRA Dhaka Trade Office effectively act as an overseas representative office, helping with buyer sourcing, market research, certification coordination, and customs-related support. For smaller firms, it delivers many of the benefits of local presence at less than one-fifth of the cost of setting up an in-country entity.
How to Use the Four Export Voucher Packages
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups' export voucher scheme is one of the most comprehensive tools available for Bangladesh entry because it can cover nearly every service required for market access. In 2025, a tariff response voucher was added, allowing firms exposed to US tariff pressure to support diversification into alternative markets, including Bangladesh.
| Package | Main Services | Voucher Ceiling | Bangladesh Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package 1: Export Capability Building | Consulting, training, mentoring | KRW 30M | Bangladesh market entry consulting |
| Package 2: Overseas Marketing | Fairs, advertising, promotional materials | KRW 50M | Dhaka fairs and local promotion |
| Package 3: Export Infrastructure | Certification, testing, logistics, customs | KRW 50M | BSTI and halal certification |
| Package 4: Alternative Market Development | Research to certification to fairs to marketing | KRW 100M | Integrated Bangladesh entry support |
Best Program Combinations by Company Type
| Company Type | Priority 1 | Priority 2 | Priority 3 | Expected Company Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Exporter (first export) | Overseas Market Research | Trade Delegation | Export Incubator | KRW 2M-5M |
| Early Exporter (1-3 years) | Branch Office Program | Export Voucher P2 | Overseas Certification | KRW 15M-30M |
| Growth Exporter (3-5 years) | Deep Branch Office Track | Export Voucher P4 | Trade Insurance | KRW 30M-50M |
| Scaled Exporter (5+ years) | Local Entity Setup | Voucher P4 | FTA Consulting | KRW 50M+ |
Practical Application Tips
Entering Bangladesh does not have to be a solo effort. When Korean firms combine more than 15 available public support programs strategically, they can reduce cost and risk across the full process from market research to certification, marketing, and payment-risk management. The practical starting point is a clear diagnosis of the company's export stage and a disciplined choice of programs that match it.