KRSouth Korea's Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) head, Kang Kyung-sung, emphasized the need to diversify the nation's export strategy beyond semiconductors by promoting consumer goods like cosmetics, food, and fashion. He argued that relying heavily on semiconductors makes the economy vulnerable to industry cycles and suggested that consumer goods could provide stability during downturns. With South Korea experiencing record exports driven largely by semiconductors, Kang called for increasing the share of consumer goods in exports from 6.4% to 15–20%. This push aligns with the growing global influence of 'Hallyu' (Korean cultural exports), which is helping boost demand for Korean consumer products. The Korea Brand and Entertainment Expo in Hanoi aims to leverage this cultural appeal to create new business opportunities for Korean consumer goods companies.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral overview of KOTRA's strategic goals and does not exhibit overtly biased language, framing, or sourcing. It reports on economic planning and policy discussions without taking a clear ideological stance.
