The Korea International Trade Association(KITA) has sent a “trade promotion delegation” to China for the first time since the two countries agreed to improve their bilateral ties late last month.

Consisting of representatives from 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers of food, cosmetics, household items and fashion accessories, the Korean delegation will meet with Chinese buyers in Shanghai and Beijing during their five-day trip that began on Monday.

The association expects South Korean consumer goods exports to China to increase amid the recovering Seoul-Beijing relationship.  

It will invite a group of representatives from China-based online shopping malls later this month and arrange a meeting between them and South Korean sellers. The association added it will help local small and mid-sized firms make inroads into China. 

To that end, it will send a trade promotion delegation to China three or four times next year.