Seoul's High Seoul Companies Accelerate Global Expansion in CIS Markets

Sixteen High Seoul companies have initiated market exploration in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) region, which includes Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as part of a project organized by the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) from July 6 to July 12.

This initiative comes at a pivotal time for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which face challenges such as global economic uncertainties and rising protectionism. It is viewed as a 'golden opportunity' to open new avenues for exports. Starting in 2025, the SBA plans to continue selecting CIS markets to bolster the export competitiveness of High Seoul companies.

The CIS market is emerging as a strategic location, offering robust economic growth of 4-5% annually and a young consumer base with strong purchasing power. This makes it an excellent environment for Seoul SMEs, as they also consider it a bypass for exports to Russia.

The rising demand for 'K-Premium' products, fueled by 'K-content' influences in Central Asia, presents a critical opportunity for Korean SMEs to establish a foothold in local markets, where Korean consumer goods are increasingly recognized as sophisticated lifestyle brands.

High Seoul companies account for 10.7% of total Seoul SME exports as of 2025, playing a crucial role in elevating the status of 'K-Brands' globally. Through this project, the companies conducted 248 consultations and established 27 MOUs, achieving export contracts valued at $20.2 million. Notably, they also initiated negotiations for a main contract worth $12.8 million.

The companies involved, primarily in the beauty and food sectors, had the opportunity to confirm local market demand through various discussions regarding product purchases, distribution channel entries, contract manufacturing, and co-development.

Among the companies that conducted consultations are Gosen Korea (mask packs, skincare), Next Phantasia (recovery cream, mask packs), The Pirates (fresh produce), Label Corporation (skincare ampoules, sprays), Rutonics (haircare, skincare), and many others. A total consultation amount through these discussions reached $59.8 million, and MOU values totaled $20.2 million.

In addition to the consultations, the SBA established networks through meetings with major local institutions, including the Chamber of Commerce and KOTRA. These discussions focused on supporting local entry and finding cooperative partners for High Seoul companies.

KOTRA aims to assist these companies with marketing, logistics, and local expansion services. The program also included product introductions and discussions addressing concerns in logistics, payments, and certifications, exploring practical ways to provide support at an institutional level.

The initiative has leveraged interactions with major local e-commerce platforms like Kaspi and Halyk Market, along with premium distribution channels such as French House and Bloom Beauty, to introduce High Seoul companies' products while facilitating discussions on entry procedures and other operational details.

Kim Hyun-woo, the CEO of the Seoul Business Agency, noted the significant interest in the products and technology of High Seoul companies in the local market and emphasized their ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive support for these companies to thrive in the global market.