The Trade Ministry aims for a nearly three percent growth in exports this year to the tune of some 510 billion U.S. dollars.

During a new year policy briefing chaired by Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn on Thursday, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy presented a goal of two-point-nine percent growth in the country's shipments in 2017 for a shift to a surplus following two years of minus growth. 

With growing uncertainties in advanced markets of the U.S. and Europe, the ministry plans to improve and expand its free trade agreement networks mainly with strategic markets of high growth potential such as Latin America.

It also seeks to conclude within this year negotiations to enhance the South Korea-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and also raise the liberalization rate of the free trade agreement signed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.(ASEAN)

The trade ministry also plans to foster 80 consumer goods firms with exports of more than ten million dollars to help them develop at least five global brands.

South Korean exports posted negative growth of eight percent in 2015 and negative five-point-nine in 2016, marking two straight years of minus growth for the first time in 58 years.