Fast Track + Exceptional Entry Cases Steadily Increasing... Over 9,000 Business Entrants Using Fast Track System
Minister Kang Kyung-hwa to Visit Vietnam on 17-18th for Intensive Talks on Fast Track System Implementation
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Despite the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it has been revealed that nearly 20,000 cases of exceptional overseas entry for essential personnel such as Korean businesspeople have occurred in 21 countries. Although more than 160 countries still enforce entry restrictions on travelers from Korea, there have been positive developments with the gradual introduction of bilateral "fast-track" systems that simplify entry procedures. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has departed for Vietnam to discuss the introduction of the fast-track system through the Korea-Vietnam Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
According to confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related agencies on the 17th by Asia Economy, the total number of cases allowed exceptional entry, including those through the fast-track system, was counted at 19,663. The number of countries permitting entry for essential personnel such as businesspeople has increased to 21. In April, exceptional entry cases were limited to about 3,000 people across 8 countries.
The number of cases utilizing the institutionalized "fast-track" system for entry of essential personnel between Korea and other countries was confirmed to be 9,025. This accounts for nearly half of all exceptional entry cases. Countries that have introduced the fast-track system through consultations with the Korean government include China, which started in May, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, and Singapore, totaling four countries.
China, which was the first country to adopt the fast-track system with Korea, is further expanding its entry opportunities for Korean businesspeople. Although the Chinese government strictly limited entry through the capital Beijing when introducing the fast-track system in May, it approved the operation of three charter flights arranged by Hyundai Motor Group earlier this month, allowing the entry of 600 businesspeople.
The government is conducting focused negotiations to restore human and material exchanges with ASEAN countries. ASEAN is Korea's second-largest trading partner after China.
Minister Kang Kyung-wha will personally visit Vietnam from the 17th for a one-night, two-day trip, marking her first visit since the COVID-19 pandemic (global outbreak). This is her second face-to-face diplomatic engagement following Germany last month after in-person diplomacy was suspended. Minister Kang plans to institutionalize the entry of essential personnel, including businesspeople, into Vietnam and negotiate the resumption of regular flights between the two countries.
Before departure at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the same day, Minister Kang told reporters, "We need to have intensive discussions regarding the introduction of the fast-track system with Vietnam, but there are still many adjustments to be made." She added, "There is still no agreement on some quarantine measures required by Vietnam and those we consider necessary." She emphasized, "Vietnam is a key target country in the New Southern Policy and has significant human exchanges, so it is meaningful to visit Vietnam first among ASEAN countries."
During the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meeting held from the 9th to the 12th, Minister Kang also stressed the importance of "maintaining supply chain flows and ensuring the movement of essential personnel." Based on this, the Chairman's Statements of Korea-ASEAN, ASEAN+3 (Korea-China-Japan), and the East Asia Summit (EAS) included content emphasizing the importance of regional trade, investment market openness, and guaranteeing essential human exchanges.
The government plans to actively continue consultations with major trading partners to minimize the economic and social impacts caused by COVID-19. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained, "Since each country's quarantine capabilities differ, the progress of negotiations varies by country," and added, "We are continuing negotiations related to allowing exceptional entry for businesspeople and introducing the fast-track system to support the activities of Korean companies."
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