Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) met with Gourangalal Das, the newly appointed Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, on Wednesday, December 10, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on ways to expand economic and trade cooperation between Korea and India.

Trade Minister Yeo underscored India’s importance as a key country in the New Southern region and one of Korea’s most important economic cooperation partners. He expressed his hope that the two countries will further deepen their partnership by generating new economic outcomes in areas with strong cooperation potential, such as shipbuilding, critical minerals, and greenhouse gas reduction. Ambassador Das reaffirmed his commitment to advancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation during his tenure.

The two sides shared the view that improving the Korea–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is necessary to establish a mutually beneficial trade framework and expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation. They agreed to maintain close communication and resume negotiations to upgrade the agreement as soon as possible.

Trade Minister Yeo also noted that more than 670 Korean companies are currently operating in India but continue to face challenges arising from non-tariff barriers, including BIS certification and trade remedy measures. He requested India’s support to help ensure that these companies can continue contributing to bilateral economic cooperation.

MOTIR will continue to work closely with the Embassy of Korea, KOTRA trade offices, Korea Plus in India, and other local support institutions to foster a stable business environment for Korean companies operating in India.