CEPA to Accelerate Exchange of Professionals
By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
Indian Ambassador to Seoul Skand Tayal said the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Korea and India will enable a freer exchange of professionals, which has long been sought by India.
"The accord will open the door for our professionals to work here on contracts. And Korean professionals will be able to work in India on contracts," Tayal said in an interview with The Korea Times before President Lee Myung-bak's departure for New Delhi, Sunday, for a four-day visit.
It is the first visit to India by a Korean president since 2004.
Skilled Indian engineers and scientists are seen more in the world. Also, as an English speaking country, India has a large pool of qualified English instructors.
It will be awhile, however, until Indian English teachers will land in Korea, the ambassador said. "We are still working on the procedural work -- how they will be selected."
The ambassador said President Lee's visit contributes to enriching the relationship between the two countries.
"We want to add layers to (our bilateral relationship)," he said.
Lee was invited as the first state guest of the year ― a person who normally takes part in India's Republic Day parade as the guest of honor.
Previously, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and former Russian President Vladimir Putin have been among the guests.
Tayal added a summit to Lee's itinerary between him and India's Prime Minister Manmoan Singh on Monday. The ambassador expressed hope that yesterday's talks would enable them to coordinate their positions on international issues, such as climate change and the G-20 Summit.
The CEPA is also expected to boost promising commercial gains.
The free trade accord, which went into effect earlier this month, reduces tariffs on imports between the two countries and increases the flow of services.
To maximize the effects of the accord, the Indian business community in Korea launched the Indian Chamber of Commerce last week.
Regarding Korea's interest in the nuclear energy sector, the ambassador said the two countries could complement one another.
In an interview with the Times of India published Sunday, Lee said Korea was in pursuit of collaboration in the field of nuclear energy. "I hope Korea, with its super technology, will take part in India's nuclear power plant construction projects."
Tayal expressed hope that President Lee's visit will also contribute to the promotion of cultural understanding between the two nations.
"We want to have a cultural exchange to bring our people together," he said.