South Korean Prime Minister advocates for increased participation in significant Vietnamese ventures

During a recent state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK), Party General Secretary Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Kim Min Seok held discussions aimed at deepening the Việt Nam-RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both leaders expressed a desire to closely coordinate to effectively implement an action plan to achieve the $150 billion trade target by 2030 in a more balanced manner. The RoK is currently the third-largest trading partner, with two-way trade amounting to $81.5 billion.

The RoK is also Việt Nam's top source of foreign direct investment (US$87 billion), and the second-largest provider of official development assistance ($4 billion for the 2025-30 period). In light of this, Kim Min Seok urged Việt Nam to facilitate Korean participation in major projects, including nuclear power, digital infrastructure, and high-speed rail.

The leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in strategic industries, telecommunications, information technology, e-government, biotechnology, climate technology, nanotechnology, and clean and renewable energy. Specifically, Tô Lâm proposed increased support for Vietnamese enterprises on Korean e-commerce platforms.

Regarding the specific technologies mentioned in the meeting between Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Kim Min Seok, the search results provided do not include details about this meeting or the specific Korean technologies discussed. However, given the areas of cooperation and projects underway, potential technologies from Korea that could support Vietnam’s development optimally include advanced semiconductor manufacturing, AI applications, smart infrastructure, and transportation technologies.

Lâm also asked the RoK government to consider simplifying visa procedures and moving towards visa exemption for Vietnamese citizens to boost people-to-people exchanges and tourism. Science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and workforce training were emphasized as new pillars of bilateral ties.

PM Kim also confirmed continued support for foreign brides, including Vietnamese nationals, to help them lead stable lives in the RoK. Kim Min Seok pledged greater grant aid, particularly for research, development, and innovation.

Tô Lâm briefed Kim Min Seok on the outcomes of high-level talks with President Lee Jae Myung and encouraged Korean enterprises to build specialized industrial production complexes in Vietnam, linking investment with technology transfer and workforce training. Closer cooperation in digital transformation, including artificial intelligence and digital innovation policy-making, was called for.

The two leaders appreciated the positive developments in bilateral relations and noted the regular exchange of delegations at all levels. Kim Min Seok pledged greater grant aid, particularly for research, development, and innovation. The extension of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Employment Permit System (EPS) between Vietnam and the RoK was welcomed.

In terms of major projects that could benefit from advanced Korean technology, transport infrastructure, civil and urban works, industrial development, and technical infrastructure are key areas. Nearly 250 projects, worth about USD 49 billion, have recently been launched, including expansions of the expressway network, coastal roads, and the Long Thanh International Airport, alongside significant industrial and technical projects like Viettel’s R&D Center focusing on semiconductors, AI, and data.

[1] https://vietnamnet.vn/en/feature/vietnam-s-infrastructure-projects-attract-korean-investment-783192.html [3] https://www.vietnamplus.vn/eng/vietnam-s-infrastructure-projects-attract-korean-investment/203870.vnp [5] https://www.vietnamplus.vn/eng/vietnam-s-infrastructure-projects-attract-korean-investment/203870.vnp

South Korean Prime Minister advocates for increased participation in significant Vietnamese ventures