The delegation had a meeting with the leaders of the provincial People's Committee, representatives of departments and businesses in the province in Long Xuyen city.
Attending the meeting were Don Tuan Phong, Vice President in-charge cum Secretary General of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Don Tuan Phong; Chairman of provincial People's Committee Vuong Binh Thanh; RoK’s Ambassador Lee Hyuk; representatives of provincial departments together with South Korean and local businesses.
Addressing the meeting, Vuong Binh Thanh, Chairman of An Giang People's Committee briefed the guests about the socio-economic development of the province, business and investment development orientation in all fields.
Over the past years, cooperation between An Giang and its Korean partners has made some positive progress, many cooperative activities have been implemented. One of the highlights of the relations is that Long Xuyen city has established a local partnership with Buk-gu district, Ulsan City of South Korea in 2012.
Up to now, An Giang has 38 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, of which RoK have 11 projects with total registered capital of nearly USD 78 million, accounting for 29.52 per cent of the province’s total FDI. South Korean investors mainly have invested in industry, trade and service fields which create jobs for more than 7,000 local workers.
At the meeting, An Giang also proposed non-refundable ODA aids and ODA loans, direct investment in many fields such as waste-water treatment, healthcare, high-tech agriculture which worth several million dollars.
In addition to projects calling for investment and economic development, provincial leaders also suggested the Korean Embassy support in promoting cooperation with Korean partners in cultural exchange, studying Korean language, creating opportunities for local students and laborers in South Korea.
Ambassador Lee Hyuk emphasized the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between RoK and Viet Nam in 2017. The long lasting relationship between RoK and Viet Nam was not only connected through the determination of the two countries, but also built by an economic reciprocation, similarity and a future oriented mind.
At the meeting, the Ambassador also shared the provincial potential in agriculture and fisheries.
Appreciating the preparation of the province and the results of cooperation in recent years, the Ambassador pointed out that to attract more foreign investment, An Giang needs to strengthen exchanges and create favorable conditions for businesses to improve the province’s competitiveness.
Ambassador Lee Hyuk shared that South Korean enterprises would increase their investment in Viet Nam, thus An Giang should prepare specific plans to attract investment and promote the potential of cooperation together with maintaining connection with Korean trade representatives.
In addition to attracting labor-intensive enterprises (footwear and garments) to address a wide range of employment needs, An Giang needs to prepare human resources and expand cooperation in several industries such as hi-tech and information technology sectors which are strengths of the Korean economy.
Don Tuan Phong, VUFO Vice President in-charge cum Secretary General, suggested that An Giang should complete internal documents and procedures, adding that he hoped South Korean trade representative agencies and enterprises continue to consider and expand cooperation with the province.
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