South Korea is mobilizing its top corporate leaders to support a government-led push into overseas markets, as President Lee Jae-myung embarks on a six-day trip to India and Vietnam aimed at strengthening economic ties.
The delegation includes Jay Y. Lee of Samsung Electronics, Chung Eui-sun of Hyundai Motor Group, and Koo Kwang-mo of LG Group, reflecting a coordinated effort between government and industry often described in Seoul as “sales diplomacy.”
Organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Korean Industries, the delegation comprises roughly 200 participants. Planned activities include business forums, meetings with government and corporate leaders, and the signing of memorandums of understanding.
The first stop, India, is viewed as a key growth market, supported by annual economic expansion of around 7% and a population of approximately 1.4 billion. South Korean companies including Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have established production bases there, while LG Electronics listed its Indian unit on the local stock exchange last year.
The delegation will then travel to Vietnam, South Korea’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States. Chey Tae-won of SK Group is expected to join the group during that leg of the trip.
South Korean companies have built a substantial presence in Vietnam across manufacturing and infrastructure. Samsung operates large-scale production facilities and research centers, while SK Group has expanded into energy projects including power plants and liquefied natural gas terminals. Hyundai and LG are also reviewing additional investments in the country.
Industry officials say the trip could lead to new investment announcements or partnership agreements, though details have yet to be confirmed.
Mr. Lee arrived in New Delhi and is scheduled to meet with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit will include official events and joint statements focused on expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
The trip underscores South Korea’s effort to align public policy and corporate strategy as competition for global markets intensifies, with large conglomerates playing a central role in advancing the country’s economic outreach.
