In a bid to improve exports, the Korean government will help small-sized and medium-sized companies enter overseas markets. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on 8th, May 2019 that it will establish a joint logistics center, an online logistics platform and propose a startup-focused international organization with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as part of a wider effort to develop exports via the internet.

Joint infrastructure is expected to reduce costs, while cooperation with ASEAN countries will help companies enter markets overseas. 

The government aims to help 15,000 companies focus their businesses toward exports through online business support. It will also provide direct support of over 40 billion won ($34.2 million) annually for an additional 5,000 companies across the country, handpicked by regional governments. 

The announcement comes amid declining exports and sluggish performance by SMEs export businesses. The government is hoping that fostering the fast-growing online export market will improve the situation. The government emphasized focus on emerging markets, such as Vietnam, Thailand and Russia. 

It said it will expand Korean cultural content events with the Culture Ministry. The government also plans to support businesses in selling their products through overseas TV shopping channels owned by Korean companies, such as CJ O Shopping, in Thailand and Vietnam.