Vietnam-RoK Game Industry Exchange Promoted
	Cultural Exchange Fosters Vietnam-RoK Friendship

Speaking to reporters from AJU Business Daily, Ambassador Vu Ho remarked that 2024, the first year of his tenure as Vietnam’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the RoK had been “exceptionally eventful, with a mix of highs and lows, joys and challenges. Yet, as we sit here today, I can confidently say we have successfully navigated a year full of upheavals.”

A Highly Successful Year

Commenting on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the RoK, Ambassador Vu Ho assessed that 2024 had been a remarkably successful year in bilateral relations across all areas of cooperation, including politics, economics, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Mutual support between the two countries has strengthened, deepening the Vietnam-RoK relations.

Ambassador Vu Ho reported to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the meeting with Embassy officials and staff, members of the Vietnamese community in Korea during his official visit to Korea, June 30, 2019. 2024. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

Highlighting key achievements, Ambassador Vu Ho noted several standout aspects of the vibrant bilateral relationship:

First, the number of exchange visits between the two countries increased remarkably, totaling approximately 120 across various levels. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s state visit from June 30 to July 3, 2024, was a highlight.

Second, the Vietnamese community in the RoK continued to grow, exceeding 300,000 members.

Third, bilateral trade reached nearly $90 billion in 2024, with the RoK consistently ranking among the top investors in Vietnam.

Ambassador Vu Ho emphasized that over the past three decades, the Vietnam-RoK relations have developed robustly, progressing beyond the initial stage of building mutual trust. Currently, the partnership is entering a phase of fostering deeper and more harmonious exchanges, aligned with the spirit of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership should not merely be a title; it must manifest in every aspect of the relationship,” he asserted, calling for more robust discussions and exchanges in areas such as trade, policy, and culture.

The Need for a New Approach

Regarding people-to-people exchanges and tourism, while these sectors were dynamic in 2024, Ambassador Vu Ho believes there is still room for further enhancement. Korean tourists remain among the largest groups of international visitors to Vietnam, and the number of Vietnamese tourists to the RoK is steadily increasing.

To boost cooperation in these areas, the ambassador suggested improving visa systems and fostering closer collaboration between the two governments.

He noted that many Vietnamese citizens come to the Republic of Korea not for leisure but to work, seeking better incomes and opportunities. Similarly, many Koreans travel to Vietnam for business purposes. Recognizing their aspirations for better living conditions and higher incomes is essential.

“The two governments should not only focus on cracking down on illegal labor but also adopt a more open-minded approach,” Ambassador Vu Ho stated.

He further emphasized, “Ultimately, these individuals are citizens of a friendly nation. They come here to work, not to harm Korean society. Even after their visas expire, many continue contributing to the economy. This is a reality we must acknowledge.”

Additionally, he underscored the need to improve the skills of Vietnamese workers, noting that many lack adequate preparation for life in the RoK. Despite available support, it often falls short of helping them integrate fully into Korean society.

Expanding Business Opportunities

Discussing potential areas for Korean businesses in Vietnam, Ambassador Vu Ho highlighted retail as a promising sector, alongside the already successful fields of semiconductors, electronics, and electronic components.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Han Duck Soo witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding on orientations for building an Action Plan to realize the target of bilateral trade turnover of US $150 billion in a more balanced direction between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy during their visit to Korea in July 2024. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

Currently, only a few Korean companies operate in Vietnam’s retail sector, and they are still expanding. The Vietnamese market offers ample opportunities not only for major corporations but also for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Ambassador Vu Ho pointed out that Korean companies excel in digital transformation, and their retail services have shifted to digital platforms. As Vietnam’s online retail market becomes increasingly competitive, he sees great opportunities for Korean companies to thrive.

Dialogue as the Key

Commenting on concerns raised about the potential instability in global trade and international relations, including with Vietnam, that could arise from US President Donald Trump returning to the White House with his policy declarations, Ambassador Vu Ho stated that it would make no difference whether it is President Trump or any other president. Whoever assumes power and occupies the seat in the White House will prioritize America's interests above all else. Similarly, we also always prioritize our national interests above all else.

The only issue is how to align these interests without any conflicts or disputes. The answer to this issue lies in dialogue. We must continuously engage in dialogue, consultation, and exchange of opinions. Without communication, we cannot understand each other or find common ground.

Therefore, communication must come first, and as dialogues are conducted, the parties involved will identify shared interests. These interests are not solely financial but also encompass many more meaningful aspects. The values and interests of Americans may differ from the interests pursued by Asians. Thus, we need active dialogue to ensure that both sides can accept each other's values and interests while clarifying points of disagreement, Ambassador Vu Ho emphasized.

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