▲ President Lee Jae-myung
President Lee Jae-myung stated today (7th) regarding the relationship between South Korea and Vietnam, “In addition to the current trade and investment-centered cooperation, we will advance to a new level through cooperation in future strategic fields such as national infrastructure, science and technology, and talent development.”
In a written interview with the Vietnamese state news agency VNA released today, President Lee mentioned, “Now is the time to achieve qualitative improvement in economic cooperation through future industries such as advanced technology industries, services, and content, including artificial intelligence (AI).”
Regarding the economic cooperation between the two countries, President Lee stated, “We will work together to achieve the joint goal of ‘reaching $150 billion in trade by 2030.'”
He continued, “Korea will become a reliable partner in achieving Vietnam’s national vision and will leap forward together,” stating that “infrastructure fields such as nuclear power plants and high-speed rail, as well as science, technology, and advanced industries will play a central role.”
In terms of private exchanges between South Korea and Vietnam, he also mentioned, “Have you ever heard the term ‘Gyeonggi Da Nang City’?” indicating the nickname given because so many Korean tourists visit Da Nang that it’s hard to distinguish it from Korea.
President Lee continued, “Beyond one-time visits by tourists, there are 100,000 Korea-Vietnam multicultural families in both countries,” explaining that “it means Korea and Vietnam are ‘countries united as in-laws’ through marriage.”
He also cited examples like former coach Park Hang-seo and coach Kim Sang-sik, who led the Vietnamese national football team, as models of private exchange.
President Lee referred to such examples and called Vietnamese workers in Korea “reliable private diplomats,” introducing that “recently, during a cabinet meeting, I issued a directive aimed at providing incentives to Vietnamese workers.”
He further vowed, “We will continue to explore ways to ensure more Vietnamese workers can work healthily and safely in Korea,” and emphasized that “we will not forget the necessary support for the stable residence and welfare of multicultural families.”