KITA Chairman Calls on Firms to Take Advantage of "Korean Wave"
- Push exports of cultural products such as films, games and others

Kim Jae-chul, chair-man of the Korea International Trade Association(KITA), in his new year's speech, said last year has been a memorable year for traders recording over $250 billion in exports growing more than 30 percent annually, despite the difficulties faced.
However, he said, the prospect for this year doesn't seem too bright due to slow down in the world economy, the weak dollar and intensifying competition to export goods to China, among others. In order to take on these hard objects, now is the time to develop and apply next-generation technologies related to such key areas as IT, BT, and NT to strengthen a competitive base. He also said traders should take advantage of the Korean wave overseas and try to expand exports such competitive products as movies, games and others related to the culture industry with strategies to raise national image, and attract foreign tourists.
This year, too, KITA would not spare its effort to provide support to member firms as a guide to the Korean trade in the 21st century movies, games and others related to the culture industry with strategies to raise national image, and attract foreign tourists.
This year, too, KITA would not spare its effort to provide support to member firms as a guide to the Korean trade in the 21st century under a new resolution and reform.
KITA will strengthen its business to cut costs by improving trade infrastructure and be a go-between for trade deals. It will also play a major role in developing e-Trade Korea to the extent that all trades can be done through the Internet by 2007. It will also internationalize its major exhibitions in support of overseas marketing by member firms and find new areas for exhibition including bio and auto parts. It will also focus its attention on education of manpower for international trade by setting up a training program for top managers, on-the-spot education for reserve manpower and re-training for existing manpower. KITA will also recommend policies in terms of making Korea a hub in Northeast Asia and mid-to-long term strategies for the foreign exchange rate. nw