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PM seeks new miracle for VN-RoK cooperation

VGP – PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc recalled “the miracle on the Han River,” hoping that RoK investors would make a new miracle in the bilateral ties.

November 28, 2019 11:04 AM GMT+7

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Viet Nam-RoK business forum, Seoul, November 28, 2019 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu   

PM Phuc made the statement at the Viet Nam-RoK business forum on November 28 in Seoul.

Deputy PM, Minister of Economy and Finance Nam Ki Hong said that the close relations among the two Governments have been spread to the private sector. To deal with global challenges, it is necessary for Viet Nam and the RoK to become reliable partners and elevate the bilateral ties to a new height. 

Regarding the RoK, Viet Nam represents a focus in its New Southern Policy. The Korean Government has spared no effort to materialize the goal, said Mr.  Nam Ki Hong. 

The Deputy PM stressed that it is a good time as the aspiration for cooperation has reached a record height.

Addressing the event, PM Phuc said that the forum expected to draw about 500 delegates. However, in reality, it attracted over 700 people. About 27 years ago, when the two countries set up diplomatic ties, the two-way trade turnover was only US$ 500 million. But in 2019, the figure touched nearly US$ 70 billion. So far, the RoK was the largest investor in Viet Nam with nearly 9,000 FDI projects worth nearly US$ 69 billion. So far, there are about 2,000 fights every month, connecting Viet Nam and the RoK. In 2019, about 5 million tourists from Viet Nam and the RoK visited each other. 

The PM attributed cultural similarities to the initial success. According to PM Phuc, the bilateral ties dated back about 800 years ago as both Vietnamese and Korean people welcome the New Year in Spring, respect for family culture, and use chopsticks in meals. 

He also promised to create favorable ways for the RoK to realize the New Southern Policy. 

He took the occasion to introduce Viet Nam’s potential fields including processing and auxiliary industries, energy, finance, education, healthcare, transport, logistics, and shipbuilding. 

At the forum, the two leaders witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding and investment contracts worth US$ 19.5 billion./. 

By Kim Anh