The Small and medium Business Corporation is organizing a trade mission to Chile and Peru. The SBC Southeastern Seoul District Office invites small businesses located in the Seocho-gu district to apply for the delegation. The trade mission is aimed at exploring new markets in the face of a sluggish global economy.

The trade delegation will visit Lima, Peru and Santiago, Chile on April 21~29, 2012 to participate in market briefings and business-to-business matchmaking sessions in collaboration with the local office of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.

The International Monetary Fund says that despite the European economic downturn, South America has consistently recorded a solid 4.3 percent growth, attracting the attention of Korean companies. The two South American nations have exceptionally high potential for Korean exporters. Chile has proved to be a valuable trade partner since it entered into a free trade agreement with Korea in April 2004. Peru is expected to follow suit as the Korea-Peru FTA went into effect in August 2011.

The delegation will consist of ten small businesses, and candidates will be selected based on assessed market potential. Priority is given to businesses highly affected by the recent European debt crisis. Selected companies are eligible to receive support in the form of market research and buyer matchmaking. The conference venue, transportation, and interpretation services will be covered by SBC.

To create a synergy effect, multi-language product webpage and buyer database will be provided along with a Spanish catalogue publication. Post-mission support is also available including consultations with buyers and marketing resources provision.

Eligible businesses can visit the website (www.sbc.or.kr) and are requested to apply for the mission by no later than February 17, 2012.