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.
The meeting between Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung and RoK Ambassador to Vietnam Choi Young Sam focused on advancing collaboration in key sectors as both countries prepare for the upcoming state visit to Vietnam by the RoK President.
Hung highlighted positive results in bilateral industrial cooperation, citing joint initiatives such as the Vietnam - Korea Technology Consultancy and Solutions Centre, technical support programmes, and the Vietnam - RoK critical minerals supply chain centre project. He also encouraged the co-organisation of a minerals cooperation workshop to explore opportunities aligned with Vietnam’s updated legal framework.
On trade, Hung welcomed efforts that helped bilateral turnover reach US$17 billion in the first two months of 2026, up 25% year-on-year, and called for continued coordination to achieve a more balanced trade value of US$150 billion by 2030.
He proposed that both sides convene the 15th Vietnam–RoK Joint Committee on Trade, Industry and Energy Cooperation and the ninth meeting on the implementation of the Vietnam - RoK Free Trade Agreement in 2026 to address challenges and promote cooperation.
Choi reaffirmed the RoK’s strong commitment to relations with Vietnam and expressed interest in expanding cooperation, particularly in industry and energy. He voiced confidence that both sides would implement initiatives and prepare well for the forthcoming state visit, strengthening bilateral ties.
According to the Department of Vietnam Customs, bilateral trade reached US$89.5 billion in 2025, up 9.6% year-on-year. In the first two months of 2026, trade totalled US$17 billion, including US$5 billion in Vietnam’s exports (up 17%) and US$12 billion in imports (up 29%).
Can Tho looks to attract greater investment from RoK
Leaders of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho called for stronger investment from the Republic of Korea (RoK) during a working session with a delegation led by Korean Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Jung Jungtae, as the two sides seek to deepen bilateral cooperation in the coming time.
