In a written interview with local daily Tuoi Tre, Cho said Vietnam is not simply an ASEAN member for South Korea but its most important “core global cooperation partner” in addressing global challenges, including the economy and security.
Cho said the visit’s biggest significance is upgrading strategic economic cooperation. He said the two countries are working toward a goal of reaching $150 billion in trade by 2030.
He said cooperation will be strengthened around three pillars: strategic sectors such as supply chains and energy, infrastructure and science and technology; and talent development. Cho said supply-chain cooperation will be made tighter and more advanced between Vietnam and about 10,000 South Korean companies operating locally, including Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics.
He added that the two sides will expand cooperation beyond manufacturing investment by sharing technology and developing talent across future industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and clean energy, as well as in energy, infrastructure, science and technology, and innovation more broadly.
Cho cited nuclear power, power infrastructure, critical raw materials, digital, agriculture and food, and the environment as key areas for cooperation. He said his message to companies driving Vietnam’s growth and its dynamic young generation is clear: “Korea is your most reliable ‘future partner’ in making your dreams a reality.” He also called talent development an essential investment and said the two countries will create conditions for young people to innovate across borders.
To that end, he said opportunities will be expanded for Vietnamese youth to strengthen technical skills in basic industries such as automobiles, shipbuilding, electricity and electronics. In future-technology fields such as AI, advanced manufacturing, the environment and energy, he said efforts will continue to train specialized master’s- and doctoral-level talent.
Cho said the visit is expected to produce cooperation on an unprecedented scale, not only through government-to-government agreements but also involving private companies and public institutions.
He said that immediately after the summit, intergovernmental agreements will be signed in the presence of the two leaders, alongside business contracts and memorandums of understanding between local governments. He said specialized cooperation spanning society — including intellectual property, health care, power, the environment, culture and digital transformation — is also expected to move forward in parallel.
Cho cautioned, however, that the number of agreements does not by itself mean success, stressing the need for tangible results. He said South Korea will focus diplomatic efforts on follow-through, including operating a standing review consultative body and removing regulations and interagency barriers that constrain business activity.
Lee arrived in Hanoi on Monday after completing his schedule in India. He is set to hold a summit on Tuesday with To Lam, the Communist Party general secretary and state president, and return home on April 24.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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