○ Governor Dong Yeon Kim receives Indian Ambassador to South Korea Amit Kumar ahead of his departure on August 14
– Expresses gratitude for Ambassador Kumar’s contributions to strengthening exchanges between Gyeonggi Province and India
– Continued cooperation in economic, cultural, and other fields anticipated

On August 14, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim received a visit from Amit Kumar, the outgoing Indian Ambassador to South Korea, at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, expressing gratitude for Ambassador Kumar’s efforts in promoting exchanges between Gyeonggi and India.

Governor Kim said to Ambassador Kumar, “Thank you for your significant contributions to enhancing cooperation between South Korea and India, and specifically between Gyeonggi Province and India.” He also welcomed Ambassador Kumar’s proposal to support talented Indian individuals in fields such as semiconductors and AI to study and work in Korea, contributing to practical bilateral cooperation. Governor Kim added, “We will continue practical consultations, including forming a working group, to create synergy through collaboration with India’s skilled talent.”

Ambassador Amit Kumar stated, “Gyeonggi Province is Korea’s largest local autonomy, accounting for a quarter of the country’s GDP and 30 percent of its exports, making it a valuable partner for India,” adding, “With its advanced industries in semiconductors, AI, and biotechnology, I look forward to further cooperation between Gyeonggi and India.”

During his three-year tenure in Korea, Ambassador Kumar actively promoted exchanges and cooperation between Korea and India, including Gyeonggi Province. In March 2023, Ambassador Kumar visited the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex for the first time and invited Governor Kim to India. Four months later, in July 2023, Governor Kim visited the India International Exhibition and Convention Center (Yashobhoomi) in New Delhi, then in the final stages of construction, strengthening a strong working relationship.

Yashobhoomi, managed by the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) under a 20-year operation agreement, successfully hosted the Korea Industrial Exhibition (KoINDEX) in conjunction with G-Fair in 2024, showcasing Gyeonggi’s global exhibition management capabilities. In November 2023, Gyeonggi also established the Gyeonggi Business Center (GBC) in Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, providing diverse opportunities for Korean companies entering the Indian market.

Gyeonggi-India exchanges have also expanded into culture. In October 2023, an Indian dance troupe performed traditional Indian dances for Gyeonggi residents at the Gyeonggi Arts Center, hosted by the Indian Cultural Center in Korea. Last year, Gyeonggi Province officials identified and corrected errors in the “Map of the Spread of Buddhism in East Asia” at the National Museum of India in New Delhi, including mislabeling of country names and locations, contributing to mutual understanding between the two nations.

This year, marking the 10th anniversary of Korea and India’s elevation to a special strategic partnership, the two countries are actively strengthening cooperation, including a summit during the G7, with Gyeonggi Province planning to expand collaboration in economic, trade, and future growth sectors.