Agricultural Exports

[Anchor Lead]

Despite Chinese retaliation over Korea's deployment of an antimissile system, its reportedly smooth sailing for agricultural exports out of Chungcheongbuk-do Province. The annual export goal of 410 million dollars is expected to be achieved without difficulty thanks to local producers making inroads into diverse markets.

[Pkg]

This company is the first in Chungcheongbuk-do Province to export rice to China and Australia. Reaction has been positive in Australia and the firm is preparing for more shipments. The success of exports is attributed to a thorough processing method that has helped to capture the taste buds of Korean residents and local Australians. Agricultural exports of Chungcheongbukdo Province are sailing in smooth waters despite China's retaliatory measures over Korea's deployment of a missile defense system. Agro exports through August posted 290 million dollars, up 14% from the same period last year. Shipments of processed foods particularly recorded steep growth. This owes to much effort exerted in the Japanese market including strengthened marketing and the unveiling of promising export items. Japan is Korea's largest importer of agricultural produce. Exports to Japan rose more than 42% while shipments to China, amid the retaliation for the THAAD missile defense system, are down by half. Steady advancement into other markets in India, Latin America and Southeast Asia is also gradually showing results. Chungcheongbuk-do Province and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation are continuing their support for startup exporters and for existing firms to make better inroads into foreign markets.

[Soundbite] Yeo In-hong(Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp.) : "Trailblazing teams have been dispatched to the bigger markets in Latin America and India starting this year. We are seeking to explore new markets and diversify export channels."

Following last year's poor performance, Chungcheongbukdo Province is expected to achieve its annual agricultural export target of 410 million dollars this year.