South Korea will hold the 15th Import Goods Fair 2017 from June 22 to 24 at COEX Hall B in Gangnam, southern Seoul. The annual fair has served as debuting and lucrative marketing means for foreign companies to promote their brands in the country.

Swiss kitchenware brand Nouvel has participated in the IGF for four years in a row. It was able to expand its sales networks in Korea by promoting its new products in the event. "The IGF has been a good stage for us to broaden our business to business (B2B) networks in Korea," said an official from the company. "Whenever we come, we were able to link up with new agents for our new products," he added.

Taiwanese tapioca and milk tea beverage maker Quickly also successfully entered the Koran market in 2005 via the first IGF in 2003.

The IGF 2017, organized by Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) and supported by Pulse by Maeil Business News, will be attended by more than 200 companies from 50 or more countries around the world. The event will also hold some sessions introducing Korea`s import policies and programs allowing participants to form business networks.

"The IGF is an imports-oriented exhibition in Korea," said Shin Myoung-jin, chairman of Korea Importers Association (KOIMA). "Foreign firms interested in establishing new networks and hoping to broaden presence in Korea could benefit through the event," he added.

The booth fee goes from $2,000 per one 9-square-meter booth and an information desk, folding chair and spotlights will be provided. Exhibitors who register four to nine booths can get a 10 percent discount, 10 to 19 booths with a 15 percent discount and more than 20 booths with a 20 percent discount.

Interested parties can place request via e-mail (igf@koima.co.kr) until April 30. More information is available at website (www.igf.co.kr) or telephone (82-2-792-1581, 82-2-749-1830).

By Lee Yu-sup

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]