(MPI) - Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung on June 22 received the Chairman and President of the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) Yoon Hee-sung, during which he affirmed that Vietnam encourages KEXIM give priority to strategic and key projects, especially those with large-scale, response to climate change and strengthen of regional linkages.

At the meeting. Photo: MPI

Minister Dung welcomed the business delegation accompanying President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Yoon Suk-yeol on their State visit to Vietnam. He said the two sides are expected to sign many important documents, which will pave the way for lifting the bilateral ties between Vietnam-RoK to a new height.

Vietnam always attaches importance to developing its comprehensive strategic partnership and investment cooperation with the RoK, he went on.

The minister hailed that KEXIM has taken the lead for making commitment to supporting some programs and projects in the Mekong Delta region. He suggested KEXIM continue to work closely with his ministry and relevant localities, and send experts to soon finalise and facilitate joint projects.

Yoon, for his part, informed his host on procedures of projects using the RoK’s loans through the Economic Development Promotion Facility (EDPF), and projects using mixed capital though the EDPF and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). He noted with pleasure that Vietnam is an important partner of KEXIM.

Regarding projects in the Mekong Delta region, he pledged that KEXIM will soon work with relevant localities to come up with specific ones. The Chairman also said KEXIM is paying attention to projects that improve access between rural and urban areas, transport infrastructure, urban railways and smart traffic.

Many Korean firms have experience and technology in these fields, and look forward to receive the MPI and personally the minister’s assistance in the business operation in Vietnam, he noted.

Minister Dung spoke highly of shared information, and emphasised that Vietnam also lure for more Korean investment in climate change response and inter-regional projects. He suggested KEXIM put focus on strategic and key projects that demonstrate the KEXIM’s role and the two countries’ comprehensive ties; asking them to invest in metro lines in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The KEXIM Chairman affirmed that large-scale projects, especially infrastructure ones, are in line with their priorities. Many Korean firms are interested in and wish to expand its operation in metro projects in Vietnam./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment