KOTRA Trade Mission Operations: From Company Selection to Post-Mission Management
KOTRA Trade Missions: The Core Tool for Overseas Market Development
A trade mission is an overseas marketing program in which KOTRA recruits a group of Korean export companies to visit a specific country and hosts 1-on-1 export consultation events with local buyers. As one of the Korean government's flagship export support programs, trade missions operate more than 100 times per year across 80+ countries worldwide — with Bangladesh designated as a priority destination receiving 2–3 missions annually.
Trade missions are recognized as the most effective market development tool for SMEs in particular, as they efficiently deliver buyer identification and consultation opportunities — activities that are difficult for individual companies to conduct independently — under the support of the government.
100+
Annual Missions
KOTRA total
80+
Destination Countries
Worldwide
2–3/year
Bangladesh Missions
Annual deployments
₩500K–₩1.5M
Cost per Company
After government subsidy
5–8 per company
1-on-1 Matching
Buyer consultations
35%+
Contract Rate
vs. consultations
12 months
Post-Mission Support
Follow-up management
90%+
Participant Satisfaction
Survey-based
Company Selection Criteria and Process
Participating companies are selected through an open recruitment process. Program announcements are posted on the KOTRA website, and applicants submit their application forms and business plans online. Selection criteria and procedures are detailed below.
Selection Criteria
Export Intent30 points
Product Competitiveness25 points
Target Market Fit20 points
Company Credibility15 points
Bonus Points10 pts (SME/new entrant)
Preferential Treatment
SMEs+5 bonus points
First Export Attempt+3 bonus points
New Southern Markets+2 bonus points
Innovative Companies+2 bonus points
Trade Mission Application Process
Check Announcement
KOTRA website
→↓
Online Application
Application + business plan
→↓
Document Review
Eligibility assessment
→↓
Selection Notification
Participation fee payment
→↓
Pre-Mission Briefing
Market and buyer briefing
Pre-Mission Preparation: Essentials for Successful Consultations
Trade mission outcomes are determined by the quality of pre-mission preparation. Selected companies should secure a minimum of four weeks for preparation before departure, and make full use of the pre-mission briefings and advance buyer matching information provided by KOTRA.
01
Prepare English-Language Catalogs and Company Profiles
English-language catalogs are essential for consultations with Bangladesh buyers. Clearly indicate product specifications, FOB/CIF pricing, MOQ (minimum order quantity), lead times, and certification status. A concise A4 two-sided, 4–8 page catalog is most effective; supplement with a tablet-based digital catalog.
02
Finalize Price Lists and Payment Terms
Bangladesh buyers are highly price-sensitive. Prepare price lists based on FOB Busan and CIF Chittagong before the consultation, and pre-set volume-based discount conditions. Payment terms (T/T advance, L/C at Sight, etc.) should be confirmed in advance so they can be quoted on the spot during consultation.
03
Research Matched Buyers in Advance
KOTRA Dhaka provides the matched buyer list in advance. Research each buyer's business scale, key product lines, and import history to develop tailored consultation strategies. Pre-preparing each buyer's key interests and anticipated questions significantly improves consultation efficiency.
04
Prepare and Ship Samples
Prepare physical samples where possible. Bangladesh buyers place very high value on hands-on inspection, and purchase decisions are frequently made after reviewing samples on-site. For large or heavy products, substitute photographs and videos — but always prepare small-quantity samples.
On-Site Consultation Structure
On-site consultations in Bangladesh are typically held over 1–2 days at major Dhaka hotels (Pan Pacific, Radisson Blu, etc.). The KOTRA Dhaka trade post handles all venue setup, buyer invitations, interpreter assignments, and consultation schedule management.
On-Site Consultation Daily Schedule
Time
Program
Content
Notes
09:00–09:30
Opening
Trade post director remarks, company introductions
All participants
09:30–12:00
Morning 1-on-1 Sessions
30 min per buyer, 4–5 consultations
Interpreters assigned
12:00–13:00
Networking Lunch
Buyer–company interaction
Informal consultations
13:00–17:00
Afternoon 1-on-1 Sessions
30 min per buyer, 4–5 consultations
Interpreters assigned
17:00–17:30
Results Consolidation
Contract and consultation summary
Trade post support
Post-Mission Management: Converting Consultations into Exports
The true outcome of a trade mission is determined by post-mission management after the consultation event concludes. A systematic follow-up strategy is needed to convert buyer interest from on-site consultations into actual orders.
01
Follow-Up Email Within 48 Hours
Within 48 hours of the consultation event, send all consulted buyers a thank-you email summarizing the points discussed (pricing, quantities, lead times). Since Bangladesh buyers consult with multiple suppliers simultaneously, a swift follow-up is the single most important competitive advantage.
02
Leverage KOTRA Post-Mission Support
KOTRA provides 12 months of post-mission follow-up services to participating companies. The Dhaka trade post provides on-the-ground support for additional buyer contact, sample delivery, price renegotiation, and contract review.
03
Prompt Sample Dispatch
When a buyer requests samples, dispatch them within one week of the consultation as a general principle. Use international express services (DHL/FedEx), and clearly agree on sample cost and shipping responsibility upfront.
KOTRA trade missions are the most efficient and reliable channel for Korean SMEs to make direct contact with the Bangladesh market. With the government subsidizing a significant portion of participation costs and KOTRA supporting the full cycle from buyer identification through interpretation to post-mission management, even companies with limited export experience can participate with confidence. The key to success lies in thorough pre-mission preparation and swift post-mission follow-up.