Breaking Through COVID-19: 'Business Rapid Entry System' Introduced, Expanding from China and UAE to ASEAN

China, UAE Followed by Indonesia Implementing Fast Track System from 17th
Blocked Business Trips Eased, Corporate Burden Reduced

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The travel routes for Korean businesspeople, which had been blocked due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), are gradually reopening. Countries that had closed their borders have introduced a fast-track system for businesspeople through intergovernmental consultations, making business trips smoother. In May, China completed consultations with Korea and implemented the fast-track system for businesspeople for the first time, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indonesia.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 17th, Indonesia will implement the fast-track system for Korean businesspeople starting today. On the 12th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha spoke with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and agreed on the fast-track system.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Since the spread of COVID-19, Korea and Indonesia have continuously discussed measures to maintain quarantine capabilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring smooth entry and free economic activities for businesspeople from both countries."

As a result, Indonesia became the third country to implement the fast-track system following China and the UAE. Korean businesspeople who possess a COVID-19 negative certificate issued domestically are exempt from the 14-day quarantine in Indonesia. Korean businesspeople can apply for a visa at the Embassy of Indonesia in Korea, and the inviting company in Indonesia can apply for an invitation letter from relevant authorities such as the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), after which the visa can be issued.

This agreement is the first case institutionalizing special entry for Korean businesspeople targeting countries under the New Southern Policy. Considering Indonesia is a major trade and investment partner of Korea, it is expected to greatly contribute to the activities of Korean companies operating in Indonesia and the future development of economic cooperation between Korea and Indonesia.

Earlier, the UAE also implemented the fast-entry system from the beginning of this month. Following the visit of Deputy Minister Kim Geon to the UAE in June, the two countries agreed to introduce the system, which was implemented after detailed consultations.

To use this system, one must receive an invitation letter issued by a company or institution located in the UAE and apply at the UAE Embassy in Korea. A negative test certificate issued within 96 hours before departure from Korea must also be submitted. After arrival, if a COVID-19 test is conducted locally and the result is negative, immediate on-site activities are permitted.

In the UAE, over 2,000 Koreans work at the Barakah nuclear power plant alone, with about 300 shift workers preparing to enter. Additionally, several companies are conducting business locally in the UAE.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is negotiating primarily with ASEAN countries to expand cases of the fast-track system. All 10 ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand, are targeted. The Ministry is allocating dedicated negotiation personnel to each country to expedite the process and is making every effort.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Consultations with ASEAN countries are making significant progress," adding, "Although there are differences in COVID-19 quarantine capabilities by country, negotiations will continue steadily."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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