South Korea and Vietnam Strengthen Partnership Amid Trade Challenges

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung rolled out the red carpet for Vietnamese leader Lam To in Seoul on Monday, kicking off a summit to strengthen ties between the two nations.

This was Lee’s first big state visit since becoming president on June 4, and the focus was on boosting business and cooperation as global trade gets trickier. The two leaders are set to sign around 10 agreements, covering everything from nuclear and renewable energy to finance and tech.

These deals show how much South Korea and Vietnam want to work together, especially since they’ve come a long way from their Cold War days as rivals. Vietnam has become a go-to spot for big South Korean companies like Samsung, thanks to its affordable workforce, tax perks, and tons of free trade deals.

• South Korea and Vietnam Sign Landmark Deals to Boost Trade, Energy, and Tech Cooperation
• Lee Jae Myung and Lam To Forge Stronger Economic Ties Amid Global Trade Uncertainty
• South Korea–Vietnam Summit Targets Growth in Nuclear Energy, High-Speed Rail, and Finance

Lam, who leads Vietnam’s Communist Party, brought along a group of top officials, including ministers for industry, trade, and tech. His four-day visit is a big opportunity for South Korean businesses to get involved in Vietnam’s plans for things like nuclear power plants, gas facilities, and high-speed trains.

But there’s a catch: new U.S. tariffs—15% on South Korean goods and 20% on Vietnamese imports—set by President Donald Trump are making things uncertain. Vietnam’s seeing fewer new investments, so this summit is a chance for both countries to team up and keep their economies strong. By working together, they hope to handle these trade hurdles and keep growing.

Also Read: Sam Altman Vows ‘Warmer’ GPT-5 After Complaints ChatGPT Lost Charm

This meeting is all about building a stronger partnership in tough times. For South Korea, it’s a chance to help its companies invest in Vietnam’s future. For Vietnam, it’s about getting the know-how and funding for big projects. Together, they’re showing how neighbors can support each other when the global economy gets rough.