Vietnam gets opening to join South Korea’s semiconductor and AI megaprojects

Vietnam is seeking a role in newly announced South Korean semiconductor and artificial intelligence megaprojects as the two countries push their comprehensive strategic partnership toward more practical cooperation.

National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn met South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong Sook on Sept. 7 during his official visit to South Korea. Han said the visit would help lift bilateral relations to a new level and expressed hope that Vietnam would continue creating favorable conditions for South Korean businesses to operate and invest over the long term.

Mẫn said Vietnam consistently places importance on its relationship with South Korea and wants cooperation to develop substantively, effectively and sustainably. The leaders agreed to strengthen political trust and expand practical cooperation in defense, security and diplomacy.

In economic cooperation, the two sides are aiming to raise bilateral trade to $100 billion in 2026 and $150 billion by 2030. They said the growth should be balanced and substantive. They also agreed to intensify science and technology cooperation and create conditions for Vietnam to participate in South Korea’s semiconductor and AI megaprojects.

Mẫn asked South Korea to share experience in managing and developing international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. He also sought support for training high-tech specialists, expanding access for skilled and seasonal workers, and protecting the legitimate interests of Vietnamese citizens in South Korea. More than 100,000 Vietnamese-Korean multicultural families live in South Korea, the article said. Han pledged to promote high-tech and AI cooperation, protect Vietnamese citizens’ rights, improve working conditions and ease visa-related issues.