South Korea seeks Gulf business boom with new advantages over rivals China, Japan
![Visitors attend the 'World Defense Show 2024', north of the Saudi capital Riyadh on February 4, 2024. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/2024-02/GettyImages-1977459865_0.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=Xfm5nfuP)
Al-Monitor Readers
Samuel Wendel
Senior Market Research Analyst, Al-Monitor
Feb. 20, 2024
South Korea is cementing itself as a major economic and strategic partner with key Middle East states, generating exports of everything from nuclear technology to missile defense systems. That was on display during Riyadh’s World Defense Show earlier this month, where Seoul proved a big winner despite focus centering on China’s high-profile presence amid growing Beijing-Riyadh ties. But that didn’t translate into Chinese dealmaking, while regional neighbor (and US ally) South Korea secured a landmark $3.2 billion arms contract with the kingdom during the arms expo. This mirrors a broader trend, headlined by the East Asian country striking a rare free trade agreement with the GCC in December 2023, opening the door for more trade, investment and cooperation.