Lee Dong-hwan, Mayor of Goyang, "Korea-India Advanced Industry Partnership and Synergy Must Be Created"

Emphasizing Expansion of International Cooperation at Korea-India Business Forum during Korea Industrial Expo
Meeting with India’s Largest Economic Organization, Confederation of Indian Industry, Discussing Advanced Industry Exchanges
Establishing Friendly Cooperation with Gurugram City, Center of India’s IT Industry

Lee Dong-hwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, participated in the 2024 Korea Industrial Exhibition (KoINDEX) to introduce the Goyang Free Economic Zone and advanced industry promotion policies to domestic and international business officials, carrying out a busy schedule to establish an international cooperation network.

Lee Dong-hwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, is giving a speech at the 2024 Korea Industrial Exhibition 'Korea-India Business Forum' on the 22nd. Provided by Goyang Special City

On the 22nd, Mayor Lee emphasized the need to expand economic cooperation and corporate partnerships between Korea and India at the 'Korea-India Business Forum' held at the Yashobhoomi Exhibition Center in New Delhi, India, as part of the 2024 Korea Industrial Exhibition.

This forum was organized to provide an opportunity for over 500 participants, including major companies and government officials from Korea and India, to deepen mutual understanding between Indian and Korean companies and expand economic partnerships.

Mayor Lee stated, “India is attracting global attention with its rapidly growing economy and innovative technological infrastructure, while Korea has built global competitiveness through an economic model that values innovation and quality. The complementary strengths of the two countries will create greater synergy in the future, and I hope that through this forum, companies from both countries will form new visions and partnerships and seek ways to grow together.”

Following this, Mayor Lee held a meeting with Siv Siddhant Kaul, Chairman of the Korea Committee of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), to discuss ways to strengthen advanced technology and industrial cooperation between the two countries. Goyang Special City and the Confederation of Indian Industry plan to explore cooperation opportunities in various fields such as smart mobility, bio, and cultural content.

The Confederation of Indian Industry is India’s largest economic organization with over 300,000 member companies. Established in 1895, it has played a pivotal role in promoting Indian industry by providing corporate consulting and advisory services across various advanced industries including IT, bio, and manufacturing.

Lee Dong-hwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City (right), is taking a commemorative photo with Shiv Siddhant Kaul, Chairman of the Korea Committee of the India Industrial Federation, at the Goyang Special City-India Industrial Federation meeting. Photo by Goyang Special City

Mayor Lee said, “Goyang Special City is pursuing designation as a Free Economic Zone to create quality jobs and strengthen urban competitiveness. It was selected as a candidate site for a Free Economic Zone in northern Gyeonggi Province for the first time in 2022, aiming for final designation next year. We will strengthen cooperation with the Confederation of Indian Industry, which drives India’s economic growth, and create synergy between the two countries through advanced technology and industrial exchanges.”

Chairman Siv Siddhant Kaul responded, “The Confederation of Indian Industry also connects various Indian state governments with overseas regional governments. We plan to visit Goyang Special City next year, and if possible, we would like to invite Mayor Lee to investment briefing sessions in the West Bengal region in February next year. I believe today’s event will be an important starting point for industrial exchange discussions between India and Goyang Special City, and we will continue to develop cooperation measures going forward.”

Next, Mayor Lee visited Gurugram City in India and held a meeting with Ashok Kumar Garg, Regional Commissioner, to discuss cooperation between the two cities and future growth strategies.

Gurugram City is located in Haryana State in northern India and is a satellite city of the capital, New Delhi. It is known as a center for advanced industries and global IT industries in northern India, ranking 8th in urban economic power and 3rd in per capita GDP among Indian cities.

Goyang City and Gurugram City discussed mutual economic development consultations, mutual support for overseas expansion of companies from both cities, and friendly cooperation between Goyang and Gurugram linked with the Korean community.

Mayor Lee stated, “Gurugram City plays an important role not only in India but also in the global economy amid rapidly changing global economic conditions. I hope that economic cooperation between Goyang and Gurugram will create a mutually complementary growth model.”

At the ‘Korea-India Business Night’ event held that evening, Mayor Lee met with representatives from over 200 Korean and Indian companies participating in the 2024 Korea Industrial Exhibition to foster exchange and cooperation.

Mayor Lee said, “This Korea Industrial Exhibition, held together with KINTEX, has elevated the status of Korea’s exhibition industry and opened a new chapter in economic cooperation between India and Korea. We will actively support strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between Korea and India and help companies from both countries build successful partnerships in the global market.”

The 2024 Korea Industrial Exhibition (KoINDEX) operates 503 booths from 233 companies and is held from the 21st to the 24th in New Delhi, India. Utilizing the Yashobhoomi Exhibition Center operated by KINTEX and Messe Esang, the event supports Korea-India economic cooperation and the entry of small and medium-sized enterprises into the Indian market.