Korean Ambassador Seok-Ho Lee met Tripura CM Manik Saha to discuss trade, tourism, and cultural ties. Talks focused on Tripura’s role in strengthening India–South Korea relations, highlighting investment opportunities, infrastructure growth, and cultural exchange. Both sides expressed interest in future collaborations to boost economic and people-to-people connections.
A three-member delegation led by Seok-Ho Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, paid a courtesy visit to Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha at the state civil secretariat on Monday. The meeting marked an important step in enhancing mutual cooperation between South Korea and India, with a focus on how Tripura and the broader North East region could contribute to strengthening bilateral ties.
During the discussion, both sides explored opportunities for collaboration in trade, industry, tourism, and cultural exchange. The Chief Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the strong and historic relationship between India and South Korea, underpinned by shared democratic values and economic aspirations.
Prof. Saha highlighted that Tripura, with its strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asia, could play a vital role in expanding trade links between the two nations. He conveyed the state’s readiness to welcome Korean investment in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and agro-based industries. “We are keen to establish trade ties that can create new avenues for economic growth and people-to-people contact,” the Chief Minister stated.
The Chief Minister also briefed the Korean delegation on Tripura’s socio-economic progress over recent years. He pointed to significant improvements in connectivity through upgraded roadways, expanded air links, and improved telecommunication infrastructure. He also noted the state’s developments in sports, industry, and education as indicators of Tripura’s readiness for global partnerships.
Tripura’s rich cultural heritage and its unique blend of traditions were also part of the discussion. Prof. Saha invited Korean tourists and cultural representatives to visit the state and experience its natural beauty, traditional art forms, and festivals. Tourism, he suggested, could be a strong bridge between the people of Tripura and South Korea.
Ambassador Seok-Ho Lee expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and conveyed South Korea’s interest in deepening cooperation with India’s North Eastern states. He acknowledged Tripura’s potential in areas like organic agriculture, handicrafts, and renewable energy, and discussed the possibilities of Korean expertise contributing to local development.
The meeting also touched upon enhancing educational and skill development exchanges. The Chief Minister noted that collaboration with Korean institutions could help boost technical training and knowledge-sharing in emerging sectors such as information technology and green energy.
Public Works Department Secretary Kiran Gitte was present during the meeting and actively participated in the discussions, highlighting the state’s ongoing infrastructure projects and potential areas where Korean partnerships could be beneficial.
As both sides concluded the meeting, there was a shared understanding that such high-level engagements could pave the way for concrete agreements in the future. With Tripura seeking to position itself as a hub for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, the talks with the Korean envoy were seen as an encouraging signal for the state’s global outreach efforts.
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This visit by the Korean Ambassador is expected to lead to further dialogues and possibly exploratory missions by Korean trade and cultural representatives to Tripura. Observers believe that enhanced cooperation could not only benefit the local economy but also contribute to the larger goal of deepening India–South Korea relations.
