KITA Expands Trade Ties to UAE and Morocco
A South Korean business delegation visited the UAE and Morocco to promote consumer goods and foster new export partnerships.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Middle East
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The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) dispatched a delegation of eight companies to the United Arab Emirates and Morocco to facilitate business connections. The group focused on sectors including medical devices, cosmetics, and food products through meetings with local government officials and retail buyers.
Why it matters
KITA aims to leverage emerging economic agreements and rising demand for Korean products to help domestic firms gain a foothold in Middle Eastern and North African markets. This move builds on the momentum of the Korea-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that took effect earlier this year.
K-beauty exports to the UAE grew to $287 million in 2025 from $31 million in 2020. During the recent tour, delegates met with 27 buyers in Dubai and approximately 10 retailers in Casablanca.
The players
KITA
The Korea International Trade Association is a nonprofit organization that supports international business and trade relations for South Korean companies.
UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology
This is a government agency in the United Arab Emirates responsible for promoting industrial development and technological innovation.
Dubai Economic Development Corporation
This entity focuses on enhancing the economic environment and competitiveness of Dubai through business development strategies.
The details
The delegation participated in matchmaking sessions and economic seminars to connect with major retail conglomerates and supermarket chains. Officials from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the Dubai Economic Development Corporation attended the meetings to support the initiatives.
Timeline
K-beauty exports to the UAE totaled $31 million in 2020.
K-beauty exports to the UAE reached $287 million in 2025.
The Korea-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement took effect in May 2026.
The KITA delegation visited the UAE and Morocco from October 26 to October 29, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This trade mission follows the implementation of the Korea-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which serves as a formal catalyst for increased bilateral commerce. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward establishing deeper economic corridors between East Asia and the Middle East.
Business travelers planning to engage in similar cross-border matchmaking events should monitor developments stemming from the new Korea-UAE economic framework. Travelers to these regions can expect a higher prevalence of Korean consumer goods in major retail hubs following these meetings.
The takeaway
Expanding trade into the Middle East and North Africa requires leveraging both government-level partnerships and local retail connections. Companies can improve market penetration by utilizing trade association resources to secure direct meetings with regional buyers.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trade developments in the Middle East.
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