Product Offerings
Products:
Training Program: YTP GTEP 600‑hour trade education
Field Training: Overseas fairs & e‑commerce fieldwork
Certification: Trade Expert & KITA certificate
The Young Trade Professionals - Glocal Trade Experts Incubating Program (YTP GTEP) at Pukyong National University (PKNU), Republic of Korea, is a distinguished academic initiative developed to nurture globally competent trade professionals. Sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and operated under the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the PKNU YTP GTEP plays a vital role in bridging academia and international commerce through industry-based training and field exposure.
Program Overview and Objectives
Established within the Department of International Trade at PKNU, the YTP GTEP is designed to:
- Cultivate trade experts proficient in theory and fieldwork
- Enable students to directly engage in international exhibitions, business matching, and export consulting
- Contribute to Korea’s trade ecosystem by deploying youth with practical trade skills into the industry
Each academic year, approximately 40 undergraduate students are selected to undergo a 600-hour intensive training program.
Core Program Features
The program includes:
- Trade Education (150 hours): Advanced coursework in trade laws, international logistics, customs, FTA utilization, and global market analysis
- Field Training (450 hours):
- Participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions
- Real-life B2B export-import negotiation experiences
- E-commerce operations and marketing strategy implementation
- Internships and Industry Linkages: Placements with Korean SMEs and startups focusing on export business development
Participants who successfully complete the program receive:
- GTEP Certificate issued by KITA and MOTIE
- Eligibility for employment or further education in trade, logistics, and commerce
Unique Strengths and Achievements
The PKNU YTP GTEP distinguishes itself through:
- Hands-on Export Experience: Students directly engage in generating export contracts, gaining real-world exposure unmatched by traditional classroom learning.
- Global Trade Exposure: Engagement in international events such as Asia Pacific Maritime (Singapore), THAIFEX (Thailand), and Cosmoprof (Hong Kong).
- Digital Trade Integration: Students support Korean companies via cross-border e-commerce, product registration, and digital marketing on platforms like Amazon and Shopee.
Notable Achievement:
- In 2024, a PKNU GTEP student secured a $300,000 export contract at Asia Pacific Maritime in Singapore, showcasing the direct impact of field training on export performance.
Market and Institutional Impact
By aligning academic training with global trade practices, PKNU YTP GTEP contributes to:
- Enhancing Korea’s SME export competitiveness
- Reducing youth unemployment by equipping students with market-relevant skills
- Strengthening Korea’s representation in global exhibitions
Target Beneficiaries
- Students: Aspiring trade professionals seeking real-world skills
- Korean Export Companies: SMEs leveraging students for global market access
- Government Agencies: Benefiting from workforce development in export strategy
Operational and Organizational Details
- Institution: Pukyong National University, Department of International Trade
- Program Leader: Professor Ahn Tae-Gun
- City: Busan, Republic of Korea
- Annual Cohort Size: ~40 students
- Program Duration: 600 hours/year from 2024 to 2026 (renewable)
Communication and Media Presence
While the program primarily communicates through academic channels, its Instagram handle (@pknu_gtep) provides insights into student activities, global fair participation, and program milestones.
Future Direction
PKNU YTP GTEP aims to further strengthen its:
- Global University Network: Collaborating with overseas institutions for student exchange
- Startup Export Support Program: Helping new Korean brands find international markets
- Digital Competence Modules: Training students in AI-powered trade analytics and digital commerce tools
Through continuous evolution, the PKNU YTP GTEP remains a leading example of how academic institutions can serve as incubators for next-generation trade talent.