SEOUL, Nov. 2 (Yonhap) -- The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) said Monday it held a promotional event for Korean premium consumer goods in Chongqing, China's largest consumer market, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1.

A total of 46 companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises and specialized trading firms in fashion, beauty, food and household goods, took part in the event. In addition to product sales and an exhibition and business consultation session, various programs were held, including prize drawings, K-pop dance performances and screenings of promotional videos for participating companies and music videos by Korean Wave stars.

In cooperation with the Chongqing municipal government, KOTRA invited around 40 major local distributors and buyers and held export consultations. In particular, Xinshiji Department Store, a leading Chongqing-based retailer, operated a "distribution channel pavilion" with KOTRA, offering one-on-one matching consultations and opportunities to enter its stores.

Chongqing overtook Shanghai last year as China's largest consumer market, with total retail sales of consumer goods reaching 332 trillion won (1,668.8 billion yuan). KOTRA said Guanyinqiao, where the promotional event was held, is Chongqing's largest commercial district.

"Cooperation between companies from the two countries has become more active since the Korea-China summit in January," Jang Sang-hae, head of KOTRA's China regional headquarters, said. "As China's consumption center of gravity is spreading from coastal areas to inland regions, we will use this promotional event as an opportunity to expand efforts, in partnership with local Chinese governments, to enter key inland consumer markets and discover new distribution channels."

jwc@yna.co.kr

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