▲ Duty-free store dedicated to SME products operated by the Korea SMEs & Startups Distribution & Marketing Agency (KODMA) at Incheon International Airport. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME Distribution Center) said Wednesday it has opened two additional duty-free stores dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at Incheon International Airport's Terminal 2 to help expand overseas sales channels for Korean SMEs.

 

The new stores, Panpan Duty Free Nos. 5 and 6, are located near Gates 281 and 218 on the east and west sides of Terminal 2, respectively. They feature a range of K-beauty, K-fashion, K-food and K-lifestyle products.

 

The stores also include product experience zones and photo spots to provide travelers with positive firsthand experiences of SME products.

 

The agency said the new outlets are expected to serve as export test beds, allowing SMEs seeking to expand into global markets to gauge overseas consumer response before entering foreign markets.

 

SMEs wishing to participate can apply through the Panpan Daero website.

 

Eligible applicants are SME manufacturers of consumer goods that qualify for duty-free store sales. Selected companies can operate in the stores for an initial one-year period and will receive support, including dedicated display space and sales staff.

 

Lee Tae-sik, president of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, said, "As overseas consumers' preference for Korean products continues to grow on the back of the Korean Wave, we will help more outstanding SMEs advance into global markets through our policy duty-free stores."

 

jwc@yna.co.kr

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