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Korean Chaebol Chiefs Join President Lee on Key India-Vietnam Trade Mission

The heads of South Korea's four largest conglomerates will accompany President Lee Jae-myung on a state visit to India and Vietnam to strengthen economic ties. The high-level delegations aim to boost investment and partnerships in critical sectors like semiconductors, automotive, and electronics. Samsung's Lee Jae-yong and LG's Koo Kwang-mo will join both legs, while Hyundai's Chung Euisun will focus on India and SK's Chey Tae-won on Vietnam. The visit represents a major push to secure supply chains and expand market presence in these key growth economies.

Key Points: Korean Chaebol Chiefs Join President on India, Vietnam Visit

  • Fortify global supply chains
  • Expand market footprints in Global South
  • Focus on semiconductors, auto, electronics, energy
  • First Korean presidential visit to India in 8 years
  • Delegations include ~200 executives each
3 min read

Chaebol powerhouse: Samsung, SK, Hyundai, and LG chiefs to join President Lee's strategic mission to India and Vietnam

Samsung, Hyundai, SK, LG leaders accompany President Lee Jae-myung on strategic state visit to India and Vietnam to boost investment in key sectors.

"participation of top business leaders could pave the way for follow-up investment plans or new partnerships - The Korea Herald"

New Delhi, April 17

In a major push to fortify global supply chains and expand market footprints in the Global South, the heads of South Korea's four largest conglomerates are set to accompany President Lee Jae-myung on a high-stakes state visit to India and Vietnam starting this Sunday.

The move signalled a major push for investment and partnerships across semiconductors, automotive, electronics, and energy, The Korea Herald reported.

President Lee is scheduled to visit India and Vietnam from April 19 to 24, his first trip to the two countries since taking office last year. The India stop will be the first by a South Korean president in eight years.

According to industry sources cited Friday by The Korea Herald, the attendee list for both legs has been finalised. The Federation of Korean Industries will organise the India mission, while the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry oversees the Vietnam delegation. Each mission is expected to include around 200 business executives.

The delegations will participate in business forums -- India on Monday and Vietnam on Tuesday -- and meet senior government officials in both countries, the report said.

Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong and LG Group Chair Koo Kwang-mo are expected to join both legs of the trip, reflecting their groups' broad interests in the two markets. Samsung has made Vietnam a major production base for smartphones and electronics, while India has grown into a key consumer market and manufacturing hub.

LG has also expanded in Vietnam, including automotive components and R&D, and is positioning India as a growth market with a third LG Electronics manufacturing plant now under construction, The Korea Herald noted.

SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won, who also chairs the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is expected to lead the Vietnam delegation and skip India. Lee Hyung-hee, head of the SK Supex Council's communication committee, will travel to India in his place.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun is expected to focus on India, underscoring the country's rising importance to the automaker. In Vietnam, the group will be represented by President Sung Kim, the veteran diplomat who oversees external and government affairs, according to the report.

Industry officials told The Korea Herald that the participation of top business leaders could pave the way for follow-up investment plans or new partnerships, given the "significant presence of Korean businesses" already in both countries. Key sectors in focus include semiconductors, automotive, electronics, and energy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very strategic move by South Korea. They see the potential in India's market and young workforce. I just hope our state governments are ready with the right infrastructure and policies to attract these investments, not just in big cities but in tier-2 cities as well.
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Rohit P
Hyundai focusing on India is a big deal. They already have a strong presence, but more investment could mean newer models, better EV technology, and maybe even more exports from here. Good for the automotive sector.
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Sarah B
While this is positive, I hope there's a focus on sustainable and ethical manufacturing. We've seen issues in other countries with supply chains. Growth is important, but not at the cost of our environment or workers' rights. Let's get this right.
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Vikram M
Semiconductors! That's the key takeaway for me. If we can get a major chip fabrication or design investment from SK or Samsung, it would be a game-changer for our electronics and tech independence. Fingers crossed for some big announcements.
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Nikhil C
It's interesting to see them visit both India and Vietnam. Clearly diversifying away from China. We should leverage this position to get the best deals and technology transfers, not just become an assembly line. Need strong negotiation from our side.

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