KITA launches online one-stop trade solution service

The Korea International Trade Association has launched a “one-stop trade solution” service in which traders can report trade-related problems online and seek solutions from experts.

The internet-based service, launched on Monday, aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the nation’s trade sector with more efficient and individualized solutions and alternatives, KITA said.

With TradeSOS, international traders do not have to sweat over finding which of 12 ministries they need to consult when faced with difficulties in international trade, KITA officials said

“Conglomerates usually struggle less in such situations, but it is a whole different story for the small and medium-sized trade-oriented companies,” KITA chairman and CEO Han Duck-soo said in a press conference to celebrate the organization’s 66th anniversary.

Officially called the TradeSOS Trade Obstacle Integral Support System, the new service guarantees that once a difficulty in trade is reported, the association will file the case, look for specialists and continuously update the user through the whole process via text message and email.

The official website of TradeSOS also possesses a vast electronic database of reported problems so people can look for similar cases filed in the past along with their solutions, KITA officials said.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)