NEW DELHI: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is sending a business mission of small and medium companies to Thailand and South Korea with a view to promoting trade and economic relations with them.

Led by the past president of the apex chamber, Rajive Kaul, the first leg of the mission will be launched on Aug 8 in Seoul, followed by the second leg in Bangkok from Aug 11 to 13.

Focussing on India's 'Look East' policy and forging international cooperation, the mission has been designed to develop cooperation among small and medium companies.

The visit to Seoul will coincide with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and South Korea, while the second leg of the mission to Thailand will coincide with CII's Enterprise India Show in Bangkok.

Enterprise India 2004 is being organised by CII in cooperation with the India's Ministry of Small Scale Industry.

The key potential areas identified for cooperation include auto components, textiles, garment and apparel, Engineering, instrumentation, chemicals, telecom, information technology, tourism, real estate and consultancy.

During the visit, the mission also intends to call on key Korean and Thai authorities, economic organisations, think tanks, policy-making bodies as well as chamber counterparts and partner organisations.

The delegation includes representatives from business houses like ERM India, C Dass Chemicals, Elico, Fowler Westrup, NICCO, Ganapati Hosiery, Global Business Solutions, Lord's Security Mint, Kapsons Industries, Madras Suspensions, Thomas Cook and Metalearn Services.