Our Company’s 'Simplified Entry' Finally Launched… Korea-China 'Fast Track' Established

Effective May 1, applicable to Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Liaoning, Shandong, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Anhui, and others

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[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Amid the global closure of borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our businesspeople can finally undergo simplified overseas entry procedures. South Korea and China have agreed to establish a fast-track system to alleviate difficulties faced by export companies.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 29th, both countries agreed to create a "fast-track (simplified entry procedures for businesspeople)" that minimizes quarantine requirements when our businesspeople enter China, thereby easing entry difficulties. Both nations decided to respect COVID-19 prevention principles while ensuring essential economic activities can continue.

According to the Ministry, the establishment of the fast-track between Korea and China is the first institutionalized case of simplified entry procedures for foreign businesspeople visiting China. It is also the first case where simplified entry procedures have been institutionalized for our businesspeople visiting abroad.

If a company in China (either a locally established Korean company or a Chinese company) applies to the local Chinese government for the fast-track for our businesspeople and obtains an invitation letter, the businesspeople will be subject to simplified entry procedures upon entering China by following the special quarantine procedures agreed upon by both countries.

Conversely, if our businesspeople obtain a visa from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Korea, simplified entry procedures will apply upon entry to China, provided that the special quarantine procedures agreed upon by both countries are followed.

Starting from the 1st of next month, the Chinese government plans to implement the fast-track system in 10 regions within China. The applicable regions include Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Liaoning Province, Shandong Province, Jiangsu Province, Guangdong Province, Shaanxi Province, Sichuan Province, and Anhui Province.

The Ministry expects that this will guarantee economic activities in China for a greater number of our businesspeople, including those from small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-sized companies.

Furthermore, considering the current fluctuating COVID-19 situations in both countries and the status of air routes between them, South Korea and China will continue to regularly consult through diplomatic channels to enhance the effectiveness of the fast-track system.

They have agreed to monitor the operation status and make efforts to expand the scope of application.

Meanwhile, when Chinese businesspeople visit Korea for important business purposes, they can engage in economic activities by submitting a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within 72 hours before departure from China and following special quarantine procedures. However, they must obtain a quarantine exemption certificate and test negative for COVID-19 upon entry into Korea. Economic activities can be guaranteed through active monitoring procedures.

For other detailed information related to the Korea-China fast-track system, inquiries can be made through the Korea International Trade Association.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.