Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has been actively promoting cooperation with South Korea during his official visit to the country. The visit, which marks the first official visit by a senior Vietnamese leader to South Korea since the two countries upgraded their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022, aims to enhance collaboration in various fields such as politics, national defense, security, economy, culture, tourism, science and technology, healthcare, education, and emerging areas like semiconductors, supporting industries, digital and green transition, circular economy, and climate change. During the visit, Prime Minister Chinh expressed the willingness to cooperate more closely with South Korea, particularly in attracting Korean investment in the semiconductor industry.
In addition to promoting cooperation with South Korea, Prime Minister Chinh chaired a monthly regular Government meeting to review the socio-economic gains in the first half of the year and discuss solutions for the second half. The meeting aimed to assess the progress made and identify areas that require further attention and improvement. Prime Minister Chinh emphasized the importance of providing the best possible conditions for foreign investors, especially those from South Korea, to operate smoothly in Vietnam. He hopes to increase trade between Vietnam and South Korea to $100 billion in 2025 and $150 billion in 2030. South Korean businesses have shown interest in investing in various sectors in Vietnam, including renewable energy, aircraft engine manufacturing, shipbuilding, digitalization, banking, and healthcare. Prime Minister Chinh also encourages collaboration in new areas such as the digital economy, green economy, circular economy, and emerging industries like artificial intelligence. Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities have been assigned to consider opinions from the sessions for investment attraction, business environment improvement, and competitiveness enhancement.
In other news, nearly 2,000 young volunteers in Hanoi have kicked off the first phase of their Green Summer campaign, benefiting communities with a total value of more than 33.6 billion VND. The campaign aims to engage young people in community activities and contribute to the development of a green and sustainable society. The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) has also inaugurated the "Friendship Pine Garden" at Suoi Tien tourist area to mark its 35th founding anniversary. The garden serves as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and international partners.
Furthermore, a golf team from Vietnam will compete at the 2024 Southeast Asian Amateur Team Championship in Singapore, with the aim of winning four to five medals. This event provides an opportunity for Vietnamese golfers to showcase their skills and represent their country on the regional stage.
Scientists in Vietnam have successfully built a model for conserving and developing two endangered orchid species, contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts. The model serves as a valuable tool for preserving and protecting endangered plant species in the country.
Hanoi recently held a conference to discuss the concerns and challenges faced by craft villages and propose solutions for their development. Craft villages play a significant role in Vietnam's cultural heritage and economy, and the conference aimed to address issues such as market access, product quality, and environmental sustainability.
In the cultural sphere, well-known opera singer Đỗ Vũ Lan Nhung performed with the Việt Nam National Symphony and Orchestra (VNSO) at an outdoor concert at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. The concert showcased the talent and artistry of Vietnamese musicians and aimed to bring classical music closer to the public.
Lastly, a seminar was held to promote cooperation and explore solutions to enhance Vietnam's appeal as a leading destination for film production. The seminar brought together leading international film experts and local agencies to discuss ways to attract more film projects to Vietnam and boost the country's film industry.