Vijayawada : The Andhra Pradesh Chapter of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) successfully hosted an exclusive Interactive Session with H.E. Mr. Chang Nyun Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chennai. The event, held at Hotel Novotel Vijayawada Varun, brought together over 50 senior industry leaders, government officials, and dignitaries for an engaging evening focused on deepening bilateral cooperation between India and the Republic of Korea.
Organized on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, the session was part of ASSOCHAM’s broader vision to enhance economic, cultural, and strategic partnerships between the two nations, particularly in the domains of trade, investment, infrastructure, education, food processing, and smart agriculture.
A Gathering of Influential Voices and Visionaries: The session was graced by an esteemed panel of dignitaries including:
• H.E. Mr. Chang Nyun Kim, Consul General, Republic of Korea in Chennai
• Mr. Suresh Chukkapalli, Chairman Emeritus, Phoenix Group & Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea
• Mr. Chiranjiv Choudhary, IFS (Retd.), Secretary to Government (Food Processing), Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh
• Mr. Bansidhar Bandi, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM AP State Development Council & Vice President, Steel Exchange India Ltd.
• Dr. Rangaiah V Setlem, Chair – Agriculture & Food Processing Council, ASSOCHAM Southern Region & Founder & CEO, Womenova Agro Food Park Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Macha Dinesh Babu, Regional Director, Southern Region, ASSOCHAM
Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Mr. Chang Nyun Kim emphasized that in the backdrop of evolving global geopolitics and intensifying superpower rivalries, India and South Korea stand as essential partners in shaping a stable, multipolar Asia. He underlined the need to elevate security cooperation, promote cultural and educational exchange, and foster greater people-to-people connectivity.
“India and Korea must work hand in hand to build a shared future. Language, culture, and innovation are bridges to this partnership. I encourage Indian youth and professionals to continue learning Korean, aim for fluency, and explore careers with Korean companies,” said Mr. Kim.
Mr. Suresh Chukkapalli, speaking on The Future of Strategic Partnership between India and Korea, highlighted the complementary strengths of both countries and the vast potential for collaboration in manufacturing, R&D, renewable energy, and technology-led sectors. He reiterated the importance of building trust-based commercial relationships and aligning long-term strategic interests.
Mr. Chiranjiv Choudhary, IFS (Retd.), provided a comprehensive view of Andhra Pradesh’s investment climate, with a focus on Expansion of the food processing industry, accelerating industrial growth and attracting FDI, upgrading infrastructure and logistics networks and driving sustainable and smart agricultural practices.
He encouraged Korean investors to explore the state’s potential in sectors such as food technology, agribusiness, electronics, and clean energy.
Sharing insights into innovation and value addition in agriculture, Dr. Rangaiah V Setlem emphasized Korea’s advancements in agri-tech, automation, and industrial innovation. He advocated for bilateral knowledge exchange, citing the example of lycopene extraction from tomatoes a high-value food processing innovation that could benefit from Korean technology and Indian agricultural output.
“There is immense potential to synergize India’s agricultural strengths with Korea’s processing technologies. Collaborative innovation can lead to scalable agri-business models,” he said.
The evening began with a warm welcome address by Mr. Bansidhar Bandi, who reaffirmed ASSOCHAM’s mission to act as a strategic enabler for international trade and industrial growth in Andhra Pradesh.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Macha Dinesh Babu, Regional Director, Southern Region, ASSOCHAM. He expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and participants and provided a brief on ASSOCHAM’s ongoing initiatives across South India, aimed at policy advocacy, MSME support, skill development, and global partnerships.
This interactive session marked an important step in strengthening India-Korea relations at the state level, offering both sides an opportunity to explore avenues for collaboration, innovation, and investment.
ASSOCHAM Andhra Pradesh remains committed to facilitating impactful dialogues and building enduring global partnerships for the sustainable development of the state and the nation.
