“Middle East Emergency Response Desk” handles over 600 consultations on logistics, contract defaults, and payment recovery.
Real-time field insights from Dubai and Riyadh provide strategic guidance through a network of logistics and legal experts.
Supplementary budget deployed for emergency vouchers to overcome regional volatility and capture new market demands.
Nationwide roadshows and tailored consulting to expand from Seoul to Daejeon, Gwangju, and Gyeongnam.

As export uncertainties persist due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East—now entering its third month—the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), led by President Kang Kyoung-sung, convened the "Middle East Crisis Diagnosis & Response Strategy Seminar and 1:1 Expert Consultation" on May 11 at its Seoul headquarters. The event aimed to mitigate risks for Korean exporters and sustain export momentum.

The seminar presented comprehensive crisis assessments and strategic countermeasures based on real-time data gathered from KOTRA’s Middle East Regional Headquarters and trade offices in major hubs like Dubai and Riyadh. Kim Byung-ho, Director General of the Middle East Regional Headquarters, joined the session via video link and noted, “Despite the conflict, significant opportunities are emerging in the construction, plant, defense, and energy sectors. Demand for K-Food and K-Beauty remains robust. For instance, a K-Beauty marketing project originally scheduled for March proceeded at the request of Dubai buyers, even after sample shipments were delayed.” He also highlighted promising sectors and utilization strategies following the Korea-UAE CEPA, which took effect in May.

As of May 6, the “KOTRA Middle East Emergency Response Desk,” established at the onset of the conflict, has processed 612 consultations. While support for logistics disruptions remains the most frequent request, the prolonged nature of the war has diversified corporate grievances to include response to Force Majeure (contract non-performance), concerns over payment recovery, and difficulties in sourcing raw materials.

To support affected enterprises, KOTRA is utilizing a supplementary budget for emergency programs. The agency shared successful case studies and guidance on maximizing public support for companies already selected for large-scale initiatives, including: Emergency Support Vouchers (658 companies), Overseas Joint Logistics Centers (380 companies), and Emergency Branch Office Services (approx. 600 companies).

Following the Seoul seminar, KOTRA plans to support regional businesses by conducting a nationwide roadshow through major hubs, including Daejeon/Sejong/Chungnam (May 13), Gwangju/Jeonnam (May 21), and Gyeongnam (May 28).

Kang Kyoung-sung, President of KOTRA, stated, “While field-based responses to the prolonged conflict are our top priority, it is equally vital to focus on emerging market opportunities. We are committed to mobilizing all resources through public-private collaboration to enhance crisis resilience and discover new avenues for growth.”



Source：KOTRA (2026.05.11.)