South Korea eyes Assam's power, farm, tourism sectors for tie-ups

Korean firms with expertise in building power plants see an opportunity in the state, which is currently able to generate only 20% of peak hour demand

South Korea has identified organic farming, tourism and power generation as sectors where companies from that country could partner Assam. Cho Hyun, ambassador of the Republic of Korea, said here on Thursday that small- and medium-sized companies from his country could look Assam as a potential destination for tie-ups and investments and be partner in the state’s growth story.

“Our companies like Hyundai, Samsung and LG have been very successful brands in India. Assam too offers opportunities in the field of organic farming, tourism and power generation to our other companies, especially the small- and medium-sized ones,” said Hyun.

Hyun attended an Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC)-organised event in Guwahati on October 30, 2015. Speaking to media persons later, he said Korea had “much experience” in building power plants, both thermal and nuclear, and Assam could harness that expertise. He said a Korean company like Doosan, which already has presence in India, could look for opportunities in Assam’s power sector.

Assam’s power generation scenario is extremely poor, with the state generating only 20 per cent of its peak hour demand of 1,400 Mw.