(VNF) - The information sharing conference with Korean non governmental organization (NGOs) was held on April 17 in Hanoi. This was also the first meeting between the People Aid Coordination Committee (PACCOM) with foreign NGOs in Vietnam in 2019.

Conference overview.

In the conference, three key issues regarding Certificate of Registration, regulation on personnel and visa policy were discussed, in order to facilitate Korean NGOs’ works in Vietnam.

According to report from PACCOM, currently, there are around 500 foreign NGOs working in Vietnam, of which 45 are from the Republic of Korea. Disbursement value in 2018 was USD 13.5 million, attributed to 209 projects. Currently, Korean NGOs are present in 35/63 provinces and cities of Vietnam, majorly in the Northern mountainous region and Northern Central region.

In the conference, representative of PACCOM has briefed delegates on the overview of NGOs in Vietnam, particularly Korean NGOs; duties and rights of NGOs in the country.

The presentation was followed by a Q&A session, in which NGOs' concerns were discussed, mostly related to certificate of registration, regulation on employment, visa for staff, etc.

An Yong Sic, country director of GNI speaks in the conference.

Talking about Korean NGOs in Vietnam, representative of PACCOM said: Korean NGOs have been effectively conducting practical projects, meeting the demand of local people and adhere to Vietnam’s laws.

Recently, Korean has been more proactive in information sharing with the key coordination agency being PACCOM and local authorities.

Furthermore, Korean NGOs are hailed for execellently fulfilling their roles in mobilizing enterprises’ supports, pushing toward their corporate social responsibilities.

Chairing the conference, Head of PACCOM, Phan Anh Son said: the Vietnam-Korea diplomatic relations are at the best stage in various aspects, including politics, economics, culture. This fact been proven by the presence of the Vietnamese community in Korea, as well as the Korean community in Vietnam, and the role of Vietnam in peace promotion in Korean Peninsula via hosting the second US-DPRK Summit.

Inviting Korean NGOs for the first PACCOM-foreign NGOs meeting in 2019 signifies the appreciation of PACCOM for Korean NGOs, he said.

Head of PACCOM also shared about the coming business trip of PACCOM and the Committee for International NGOs (COMINGO) to Korea scheduled on May 19-25. The working agenda will include meeting with Korean NGOs, enterprises, and governmental agencies, including the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

( Translated by P.Y )