What is Explore Northeast Asia?

The U.S. Commercial Service has developed a trade promotion program, Explore Northeast Asia, that provides American companies with regional business solutions in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. These three high-income countries which share similar market characteristics and geography are among the leading markets for U.S exports of goods and services. This sub-regional trade promotion approach is a partnership with Commercial Service experts in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. In particular, Explore Northeast Asia targets each of three broadly defined industry sectors:

• Health & Beauty Products (cosmetics, nutritional supplements, etc.)
• Medical Equipment
• Education Services
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Explore Northeast Asia supports the goals and objectives of the Commercial Service's broader Asia strategy, Asia Now program. Whether it's Northeast Asia or pan-Asian business solutions you seek, the Commercial Service stands poised to provide you with the market intelligence, key contacts, advocacy, and trade promotion support to help you flourish from Seoul to Sydney. To view Asia Now Program:Click Here

Why Explore Northeast Asia?

Japan, Korea and Taiwan are among the leading markets for U.S. exports of goods and services. In particular, U.S. companies are exposed to:

• High-income and high consumer spending markets
• Common market characteristics and regulatory structures
• Consumers that are familiar with and have a "penchant" for American products

How does Explore Northeast Asia Work?

The program divides into 4 stages that will provide companies with step-by-step assistance to explore, promote, identify and ultimately sell to Northeast Asia. These stages and their deliverables are listed below.

I. Explore
Commercial Specialists from all 3 countries who specialize in a company’s industry/sector, will perform an initial "pre-market" assessment that highlights the market characteristics for a certain product or service.

Deliverables:
a) 1 to 2 page pre-market assessment from all three countries including:

• Market Overview, including market size
• Product/Service Trends
• Market Entry Requirements
• Competitive Environment – Pricing
• End – User Assessment

b) Market briefing conference call with all 3 countries' commercial specialists and domestic trade specialists to review pre-market assessment, answer any questions and introduce next stage of promotion if the market conditions in 2 out of the 3 markets bear it.

II. Promote
a) Commercial Specialists from all 3 countries will simultaneously promote a company's product or service to local contacts.
b) Company's product will be registered for FUSE Internet promotion program on all 3 countries' websites.
c) Participation in selected domestic International Buyers Program to meet Commercial Service recruited delegations.
d) Catalog Show at selected international trade events within Northeast Asia.

Deliverables:
a) Provide a single, combined report listing all vetted contacts/potential partners that have expressed interest in representing U.S. firm.
b) Place company's info on FUSE website program.
c) Coordinate with U.S. company and IBP delegates to schedule meetings.
d) Collect marketing material for display at catalog show and provide a list of interested leads to company.

III. Identify - Gold Key Matchmaking Service

Deliverable:
a) Appointments with prescreened sales reps and/or partners (those identified from above that would best fit U.S. firms definition of "perfect partner."
b) More specific background and contact information on each partner as extension of above report.
c) Customized market and industry briefing with U.S. Commercial staff in advance of business meetings.
d) Assistance with travel, accommodations, interpreter service and clerical support.
e) Post-meeting

IV. Sell
a) Support on specific logistical rules and regulations that are necessary for the export of products/services to specific markets involved
b) Follow-up counseling and support
c) Receive Asia Now newsletter profiling other export opportunities in Asia.

Deliverables:
a) Tariff and duty information
b) Export Documentation requirements and guidance on proper filing
c) If applicable, counseling on U.S. Export Control requirements
d) Visa requirements and assistance for distributor/agent/partner to travel to U.S. facility for training or additional meeting
e) Additional counseling as needed
f) Addition of client to Asia Now newsletter mailing list

Explore Northeast Asia in-country specialists are available to assist you with your international marketing efforts