Seoul:<Text>

South Korean companies have successfully signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) amounting to a total of US$27 million with international buyers for the export of foodstuffs and agricultural products. This significant development occurred at South Korea's largest K-food export promotion fair, as announced by the agriculture ministry on Friday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs organized the Buy Korean Food Plus event in Seoul from Wednesday to Thursday of last week. The event attracted 143 buyers from 45 different countries, including representatives from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, all seeking to establish business connections with approximately 280 Korean export firms.

The deals anticipated from the two-day event, which has been an annual occurrence since 2009, have set new records in terms of value, as per the ministry's statement. The MOUs comprise commitments for the export of kimchi, a traditional Korean dish usually made from cabbage, to the United States, and halal-certified food products to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

The agriculture ministry aims to achieve a record $16 billion in foodstuff and agriculture-related exports this year, leveraging the global popularity of Korean cuisine. The previous year saw exports from South Korea's farm and food sector reaching an unprecedented high of $13.62 billion.