Second Mekong-RoK business forum opens in Hanoi

The forum, the second of its kind, is taking place with the two sides committed to implementing a Mekong-RoK action programme. 

This focuses mainly on strengthening the connectivity among supply value chains in the Mekong region, enhancing the links between regional businesses and those from the RoK. 

The event will also help the two sides explore bilateral cooperation prospects, paving the way for the building of specific affiliation programmes and projects in the Mekong-RoK partnership framework. 

Addressing the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son lauded efforts by Mekong subregional countries and the RoK in boosting cooperation in line with the Han River Statement on the establishment of a comprehensive partnership between them for mutual benefit. 

He hailed the important contribution of the RoK, especially the country’s business community, in promoting economic growth and integration in the Mekong subregion, narrowing down the development gap among ASEAN countries. 

The Deputy FM affirmed the commitment of the Vietnamese Government to enhancing dialogues and promoting public-private partnerships (PPP) in order to create a favourable environment for enterprises to contribute more to Mekong-RoK cooperation. 

Regarding the recent developments in the East Sea, Deputy FM Son said China ’s illegal placement of an oil rig in Vietnam’s waters seriously threatens peace, stability, maritime security and safety in the East Sea . 

He emphasised that Vietnam resolutely protects its legitimate sovereignty with all peaceful measures in accordance with international law. 

Vietnam pledges to ensure the safety and legitimate rights of all enterprises and continue creating and improving a favourable business environment, enabling foreign businesses to operate effectively in Vietnam , he stated. 

During the forum, participants also discussed the business environment in Mekong countries and the RoK, giving proposals on ways to promote the PPP in order to encourage deeper engagement. 

They also tabled projects on strengthening Mekong subregional links, especially in transportation, logistics and energy, as well as those on enhancing supply value chains connectivity in manufacturing, processing, agriculture and green growth. 

The Mekong-RoK partnership was set up in 2011 with the engagement of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the RoK. 

The outcomes of the forum will be submitted to the fourth Mekong-RoK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, slated for July 10-11 in Seoul.