Korea and Himachal Pradesh take first step towards economic partnership at Joint CSR Economic Cooperation Seminar

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], November 12: In a landmark effort to deepen economic and developmental collaboration, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and KOTRA, India-Korea Business Cooperation Center, New Delhi, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Himachal Pradesh, successfully organized the 2025 Korea-India Joint CSR-Economic Cooperation Seminar in Shimla on Wednesday. Held at Hotel Woodville Palace, the seminar brought together a high-level Korean delegation, led by Commercial Counsellor Mr. SUNGJOONG CHO from the Korean Embassy in New Delhi, the Korean delegation, also known as Team Korea, included senior officials from KOTRA and affiliated organizations. The seminar aimed to introduce Korean institutions to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, understand the state’s industrial landscape, and lay the groundwork for mutual economic cooperation.

In his opening remarks, Commercial Counsellor Mr. SUNGJOONG CHO said Team Korea is pleased to work with the Government of Himachal Pradesh and CII to explore opportunities for long-term partnership. Himachal’s strengths in high-value agriculture and life sciences-supported by skilled talent and strong institutions-offer compelling avenues for collaboration. Today’s CSR donation is a small gesture of solidarity with local communities, especially as they recover from a difficult monsoon season. We look forward to continuing our conversations with stakeholders, including IIT Mandi, to advance workforce development and expand opportunities for Himachal’s youth as part of a sustainable, inclusive growth agenda.

Ms. Puja Yash Thakur, Convenor on Panel on Horticulture, Agro And Forestry, CII Himachal Pradesh, delivered a congratulatory message highlighting the potentials for Korea Himachal Pradesh partnership, while Ms Deepika Khatri, Joint Director of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, offered a special address highlighting the state’s readiness to welcome global partnerships.

A key highlight of the seminar was a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donation ceremony. Under the broader Team Korea partnership—bringing together the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, KOTRA, Korea International Trade Association (KITA ) , Korean Small & Medium Enterprises Association in India (KOSMA), Korea SMEs & Startups Agency (KOSME), Korea Trade Insurance Corporation(Ksure), Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency (Koipa) and other Korean public agencies operating across India—socks and blankets were donated to local NGOs in Shimla. This joint initiative reflects Korea’s shared commitment to community-oriented and inclusive development in the state.

The event also included two focused presentations: Ms. Jeongseon Lee, Executive Director of the India-Korea Business Cooperation Center (KOTRA New Delhi), showcased Korea as a strategic economic partner; and Ms Dinesh Chauhan, Senior Consultant, Directorate of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, outlined promising sectors for investment in the state.

Ms. Jeongseon Lee, said, “Korea sees strong potential to work with Himachal Pradesh in areas such as life sciences, agri-food processing, clean energy, and smart urban development. We hope to share Korea’s experience in precision manufacturing, smart farming systems, and green energy management—while collaborating to design practical, locally grounded solutions that reflect Himachal’s industrial strengths and regional priorities.” The seminar concluded with a networking lunch, providing an opportunity for Korean and stakeholders from Himachal Pradesh to explore collaborations in business and community development. The visit marked a pivotal step in establishing long-term economic cooperation between South Korea and Himachal Pradesh.

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