Developments of the Vietnam-Republic of Korea (RoK) diplomatic ties over the past 20 years have created a firm foundation for the two countries’ relations to grow further in the future.

This was jointly stated at a ceremony held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 5 to mark the RoK’s 4344 th National Foundation Day. The event was hosted by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations’ HCM City chapter and the Vietnam –RoK Friendship Association (VRFA).

Addressing the event, Prof. Huynh The Cuoc, VRFA Vice President highlighted significant achievements in the Vietnam – RoK ties although the two countries’ diplomatic ties aged only 20 years.

He referred to the RoK’s investments in nearly 3,000 projects totalling 24 billion USD in Vietnam, which, he said, made the RoK the top foreign investor and led to the formation of an over 35,000-member Korean business community there.

Other significant achievement was two-way trade between the two nations topping 18 billion USD last year, which placed the RoK the fourth largest trade partner of Vietnam .

Oh Jae-hack, RoK Consul General in HCM City said HCM City , which is Vietnam ’s major economic, trade and cultural centre, plays an important role in the RoK – Vietnam ties.
At present, about 1.800 RoK businesses are operating in HCM City , generating jobs for 400,000 labourers in the city and its surrounding areas.

Over 600,000 Vietnamese and RoK travel back and forth between the two countries each year. Around 100,000 Koreans are living and working in Vietnam while more than 120,000 Vietnamese are residing in the RoK.-VNA