The event was organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh said Vietnam is targeting double-digit GDP growth in the 2026–2030 period, with a strong focus on developing strategic technology sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy and green transition.

He noted that these are priority areas where Vietnam seeks to deepen cooperation with Korean partners, alongside efforts to upgrade the national innovation ecosystem, support startups in meeting international standards, and strengthen linkages with venture capital funds.

Representing the Vietnamese diplomatic mission, Nguyen Thi Thai Binh, Minister Counselor at the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK, highlighted the significance of the forum, which took place amid continued high-level exchanges between the two countries, reflecting strong political trust and growing momentum in bilateral relations.

She said Vietnam is increasingly positioning itself not only as an investment destination but also as a strategic link in emerging global value chains. With cumulative Korean investment approaching US$100 billion and bilateral trade reaching around US$90 billion, economic ties between the two countries are entering a more advanced and quality-driven phase.

The bilateral partnership is thus at a turning point, transitioning from conventional cooperation to a model centred on innovation and shared value creation, she noted.

Vietnam is actively pushing institutional reforms, improving its business and investment environment, developing digital infrastructure, and fostering a highly skilled workforce, while promoting strategic technology sectors.

Meanwhile, RoK, with its strengths in technology, research and development capacity, and a globally recognised innovation ecosystem, is partnering with Vietnam in capitalising on these opportunities.

In practice, major Korean conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics, SK Group, POSCO and Hanwha Group, continue to expand their presence in Vietnam, moving beyond traditional manufacturing into high-tech industries, energy and infrastructure.

Beyond attracting capital, Vietnam is proactively transforming itself, from a manufacturing base into a regional hub for innovation and technology development.

At the forum, participants discussed proposals to strengthen cooperation in semiconductors, AI development, clean energy projects, and to enhance connections between investment funds and startup ecosystems.

The forum was seen as a platform reinforcing both countries’ commitment to fostering a more sustainable and future-oriented economic partnership, with technology and innovation as key drivers of bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam – RoK expand industrial, energy cooperation in new phase

Amid global supply chain restructuring and accelerating energy transition, Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are seeing new opportunities to deepen cooperation in industry, energy and strategic minerals, officials said during a recent meeting at the Ministry of Industry and Trade's headquarters.