India and Korea: Teeing Off Investments!
Author: Korea Plus
India and South Korea share a long-standing commitment in contributing to the creation of an open and inclusive economic order. Finding ground in common economic interests, the Korea Plus Team at Invest India chose the most beloved sport of Korea to forge deeper bonds with the wider Korean investor community based out of Haryana.
It is in this light of deepening friendships, and in a first of its kind initiative, The India Korea Golf Meet was organized on 19 July 2019 at DLF Golf and Country club, Gurugram. Put together by Korea Plus at Invest India, Government of Haryana, Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Haryana Enterprises Promotion Centre (HEPC), the event was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal ji and witnessed the participation of CXO level officials of 20+ Korean Companies such as Posco, Doosan, CJ Darcl Logistics, Hanwha Chemicals, KEB Hana Bank, Lotte etc.
As opening remarks, Mr. Devender Singh (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Haryana said, “I am very pleased to say that this is the first ever, the India Korea Golf Meet organized today. The efforts around it were going around for a long time and I would like to complement Invest India, KITA, Government of Haryana. People in Korea are passionate about Golf. This engagement will go a long way. Haryana has and will always lay the red carpet for Korean investors."
Mr. Hee Chul Jung, Chief Representative, KITA, expressing his optimism about India and South Korea’s bright economic future, commended the efforts of Invest India and Government of Haryana. He said, “Both heads of state have met and continue to meet on a frequent basis to foster cooperation on all levels and have agreed to expand the current trade volume of $ 31.5 bn to over $ 50 bn by 2030. In order to achieve this, we need an annual growth rate of over 8.9% every year. Both governments will try to eliminate any barriers causing roadblock to this bilateral relationship.
The 18-hole game lasted for five and a half hours with both sides displaying impeccable sportsman spirit. As humble as the players from the Korean Investor community were, they bagged four of the five prizes. Mr. H S Kim for the Longest Drive, Mr. An Tae Young for the Straight Drive and Mr. Kim Mincheol for closest to the pin were felicitated by the Hon'ble Chief Minister. The runners up title was awarded to Mr. Kulvinder Singh and Mr. Kweon Young Take was declared as the winner of the game.
The afternoon was brought to a close by thought provoking words of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal ji who vested much faith in the growing relations between India and South Korea and Haryana actively propelling this unique partnership forward. "We are witnessing a unique tradition today with India and Korea deepening economic relations over a game of golf. I am proud to acknowledge that Haryana houses several Korean companies such as Hyundai, Lotte, Samsung etc. and that about 3000 Koreans have chosen Haryana to be their home" remarked the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Haryana. The gracious presence of dignitaries such as Shri Rao Narbir Singh, Cabinet Minister and Mrs. Madhu Azad, Mayor of Gurugram clearly exhibited the strategic importance of India-Korea relations. Special vote of thanks was mentioned for The DLF Group for hosting the memorable afternoon.
In the usual hustle of the day, a streak of gratitude was received by the Korea Plus Team at Invest India in the form of a heartfelt letter from Mr. Hee Chul Jung, Chief Representative, KITA expressing deep gratitude for taking this initiative. He reiterated the increasing faith of Korean companies in the Government of Haryana but also the Government of India.