Overview
- Lee Jae Myung’s state visit, which wrapped up Friday with a joint tour of Hanoi’s Imperial Citadel, produced 12 government MOUs spanning energy, infrastructure, science and culture.
- Vietnam’s leader welcomed Korean participation in possible nuclear projects, with KEPCO and Vietnam’s industry-energy group signing two MOUs to study plant options and financing, though officials stressed talks remain at an early stage.
- Seoul confirmed a five‑year, 16.6 billion won aid plan from 2025 to 2029 for a Vietnam critical‑minerals supply‑chain technology center to secure inputs like rare earths and urea solution for advanced manufacturing.
- A business forum Thursday yielded 74 company MOUs, including SK units partnering with Vietnam’s National Innovation Center on an AI data center, Daewoo E&C planning a data center with SaigonTel, and Doosan Enerbility teaming with PetroVietnam affiliates on potential nuclear work.
- The push builds on a trade goal of $150 billion by 2030 and reflects Vietnam’s renewed look at nuclear power after shelving Ninh Thuan in 2016 over financing, as Seoul seeks steadier energy and raw‑material flows for chips, batteries and other high‑tech sectors.