Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter Leads Trade Mission to Seoul, April 20-23, 2013

Idaho Governor Otter led a diverse trade mission to Korea to explore export opportunities under the Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). Mission members included state officials such as the secretaries of agriculture and commerce as well as commercial interests ranging from potato products, lumber, personal care products, computer software and investment banking. While in Seoul the Governor laid a wreath at the Korean War Memorial in honor of Idaho solders who died during the conflict and co-hosted a reception with Ambassador Sung Kim during which Valued Partner Awards were presented to groups and individuals who have helped promote trade and close relations between Korea the State of Idaho. Governor Otter attended various business meeting as well as a lunch hosted by Korea International Trade Association, Chairman, Duck-Soo Han. In 2012, total exports from Idaho to Korea were $575 million, up 7.5 percent from the previous year. For more information on export opportunities under KORUS FTA please see KORUS FTA.

Lotte Shopping Celebrates 1st Anniversary of KORUS FTA with U.S. Product Sale

Lotte Shopping, a leading high-end Korean department store chain, marked the first anniversary of the Korea—United States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) with an in-store promotion at its Anyang store featuring U.S. seafood products such as lobster, croaker, scallop, snow crab, shrimp and a wide variety of other food items including fresh orange, almond, walnut, pistachio, dried fruits, wine, confectionery goods, and juice. Brisk weekend sales were reported as consumers enjoyed 20 to 50 percent discounts on their favorite U.S. origin products. KORUS FTA has expanded market opportunities for U.S. food products by reducing import duties and consequently retail prices. Lotte Shopping reported that it plans to hold in-store promotions of U.S. food products at least two times a year.

COTTON USA Creates Buzz at Seoul Fashion Week

COTTON USA sponsored two young Korean designers who featured their cotton runway collections during Seoul Fashion Week. Designer Go Tae-Yong and Designer Kwak Hyun-Joo’s full cotton wardrobe collections will be showcased on May 7 during Cotton Day Korea 2013.