Korea scouting for investment opportunities in Bengal

South Korean diplomat Hai Kwang Lee today heaped praise on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her "vision and strong persuasive capabilities" and said his country is scouting for investment opportunities in the state as it is an important market.
Korea has organised its first ongoing 'Korean Caravan', a diplomatic outreach programme as a step toward it.
"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is a charismatic politician and leader with a vision and strong persuasive capabilities," the acting Korean ambassador to India told PTI here.
Besides cultural events as part of the 'Korean Caravan', a 10-member business delegation is also in the city to evaluate scope and investment possibilities here, he said, adding a business meeting has been scheduled tomorrow with the state's investment nodal agency WBIDC.

LG Electronics, Hyundai Construction, Toosan and chemical company Han Hwa, among others, are part of the delegation.
He said already 20 Korean companies have some presence in this part of the country and more were keen.

Lee said he will try to mobilise companies to attend the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit scheduled to be held in the city early next year.
He indicated Korea is inclined to invest in India over China and more such Korean Caravans will be organised in this part of the country to strengthen ties.
The bilateral trade between the two countries is about USD 15.8 billion with a positive trade balance for Korea.