Puducherry : A high-level delegation from Korea, known as Team Korea, arrived in Puducherry on September 26 to enhance economic collaboration between the Union Territory and South Korea. The delegation included representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, KOTRA India-Korea Business Cooperation Centre, Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Korea Trade Insurance Corp. (K-SURE), and Invest India Korea Plus.

During their visit, Team Korea hosted the “2024 Korea-India Joint CSR-Economic Cooperation Seminar,” supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Puducherry.

KOTRA officials highlighted that the seminar aimed to strengthen economic ties between Puducherry and Korea while identifying potential areas for collaboration. Team Korea plans to showcase the advantages of Puducherry to Korean businesses.

Sungjoong Cho, the Commercial Counsellor at the Korean Embassy in New Delhi and leader of the Team Korea delegation, stated, “Puducherry’s strategic location and human resources hold significant economic potential. I am confident we will see robust cooperative relations between our countries. Today’s event is a great opportunity to introduce each other.”

Mr. Cho emphasized Korea’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Indian states and regions, noting the untapped potential in such partnerships. This seminar marked a crucial step in solidifying economic ties between Korea and Puducherry, paving the way for future collaborations and mutual growth.

During a presentation titled “Korea, Your Best Strategic Partner,” Ms. Jeongseon Lee, Executive Director from the India-Korea Cooperation Center, noted that the evolving global value chain presents new collaboration opportunities for India and Korea.

“India’s expanding economy, large market, and skilled workforce align well with Korea’s technological and manufacturing strengths. Both nations can co-develop emerging industries, with Korean firms providing advanced engineering education and training to Indian youth in sectors like IT, electronics, and automotive, fostering future cooperation,” Ms. Lee added.

This initiative aims to promote economic cooperation between Puducherry and Korea while also supporting local communities through CSR efforts by donating products to selected NGOs.

V. Shanmuganandam, Chairman of CII Puducherry, delivered a congratulatory message, followed by a special address from P. Jawahar, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Puducherry, and a presentation on “Prospective Business Sectors in Puducherry” by P.T. Rudra Goud, Director of Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Puducherry.