A Vietnam-Republic of Korea trade connectivity conference, themed “Cooperation for mutual development”, took place in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau on November 4.

The event, co-hosted by the provincial Department of Industry and Trade and the Korean Association of Industry and Trade (KAIT) in Ho Chi Minh City, was within the framework of the Ba Ria - Vung Tau industry-trade-tourism fair 2016.

Chairman of the Ba Ria - Vung Tau provincial People's Committee Nguyen Hong Linh (right) presenting a souvenir to Korean Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Park Noh-wan. (Source: baria-vungtau.gov.vn)

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Long said over the past 25 years, Ba Ria - Vung Tau has boosted trade, investment, tourism promotion as well as socio-cultural cooperation with the RoK via the signing of memoranda of understanding on cooperation with several Korean localities such as Pohang and Ansan cities, Chollanamo province, and Geyyang district of Incheon city.

Korean Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Park Noh-wan said Ba Ria - Vung Tau is the third locality in the south, behind Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai, that has attracted Korean investment.

In the foreseeable future, the Consulate General will serve as a bridge to introduce more Korean firms to the locality to do business in the fields of food processing, shipbuilding, petrochemical industry, and waste treatment, he said.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau is currently home to 55 Korean projects worth more than 3.4 billion USD, focusing on steel, port, and services.

According to the organising board, the event affords Korean firms a chance to learn about Vietnam’s socio-economic climate as well as share experience with Vietnamese partners.

On the occasion, supermarket chain Lotte Vietnam and local food suppliers signed a cooperation agreement.

The KAIT granted 150 million VND (6,800 USD) to the provincial Association of Victims of Agent Orange and Association of the Disabled and Orphans.

The Posco Vietnam company presented 19 steel houses worth 2.85 billion VND (129,000 USD) in token to poor households in Tan Hoa commune, Tan Thanh district.

The provincial authorities also presented a certificate of merit to the Korean Association of Industry and Trade in Ho Chi Minh City and the Posco Vietnam company in recognition of their trade and social activities in the locality.

Source: VNA