Ecuador’s new ambassador to South Korea has signalled he will work to increase agricultural exports to the Asian nation.
Speaking to the Korean media Nicolas Trujillo said one of the first objectives in his new role was to boost exports to Korea.
According to a report in the Korea Herald Mr Trujillio said Ecuador hopes to set up a complementary trade development agreement with Korea.
“One of my objectives is to create more direct connections between exporters in Ecuador that can meet and fulfil the need that Korea currently has, or we can identify and develop products that Korea may not be aware of, like Ecuador has excellent passion fruit,” he said.
Ecuador has a US$700m trade deficit with Korea, which Mr Trujillo hopes to close with more direct trade.
“We can more than compete on the cost basis but what we need to do is create awareness with the importers,” he said. “Once they are exposed to the quality, consistency, pricing structure and availability year-round of Ecuadorian products, we will then have an incredible opportunity to help reduce that tremendous trade deficit that Korea has with Ecuador.”
