Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) discussed to increase two-way trade to 20 billion USD by 2015 and strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in environmentally-friendly technology during meeting in Hanoi on December 11.

The RoK Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification Committee Chairman Park Jin, who is leading a delegation of RoK parliamentarians to Vietnam , met with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to continue talks regarding trade and labour exchange.

During the reception, PM Dung expressed his delights that the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK have been upgraded into a strategic partnership in all areas. He stressed efforts for increased cooperation will not only bring benefits to both sides but will also contribute to peace, friendship and cooperation within the region.

Vietnam and the RoK have many things in common, said the PM, adding that more than 90 thousand RoK citizens are now living and working in Vietnam and the same number of Vietnamese people reside in the RoK.

PM Dung commented that as Vietnam prepares for the ASEAN chairmanship next year, the country will work to promote the cooperation between ASEAN and the RoK. He added that Vietnam also wishes to boost the bilateral diplomatic relations through exchanges of visiting delegations and accelerating cooperation in the educational, training and cultural areas.

PM Dung asked RoK officials to assist vocational and language trainings for Vietnamese workers before their arrival to RoK and to create favourable conditions for them when living and working in the country.

Chairman Park Jin thanked the Vietnamese government for its support to RoK businesses over the past years. He said he believed there are more opportunities for Vietnam and the RoK to increase cooperation in the future when Vietnam becomes ASEAN chair and the RoK becomes president of the G20./.