Ho Chi Minh City Holds Talks with Korean Companies on Resolving On-the-Ground Difficulties and Expanding Investment Cooperation

【Hanoi (Vietnam)—Kim Jun-seok, correspondent】Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City met with Korean companies operating locally to hear about on-the-ground difficulties involving land, taxation and construction, and discuss ways to expand cooperation on new investment.
According to local media on the 5th, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City and the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) co-hosted the “2026 Dialogue between Ho Chi Minh City and Korean Companies Operating in the City” in Ho Chi Minh City that day. A large number of officials from both countries attended, including Consul General Jeong Jeong-tae in Ho Chi Minh City and Nguyen Cong Vinh, vice chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.
Korean business representatives attending the event that day put forward a total of 14 recommendations concerning land, taxation and administrative procedures. Difficulties involving construction procedures, infrastructure development and real estate were discussed as key agenda items. Delays in processing relevant documents and inconsistent application of legal regulations were cited as major problems. The companies also asked the city government to simplify administrative procedures and continue monitoring the progress and outcomes of handling their recommendations even after the event ended.
Consul General Jeong Jeong-tae stressed, “Providing practical support to companies already operating here and resolving their difficulties are the surest foundation of trust for attracting new capital,” adding, “The success stories of existing investors will be powerful evidence of Ho Chi Minh City's excellent investment climate.”
Vice Chairman Binh expressed his gratitude to Korean companies and the Korean community for their contributions to Vietnam's economic development and pledged to create an investment-friendly environment. He added that he hoped for Korea's continued cooperation as the city pursues its new development direction. He also instructed relevant departments and agencies to respond directly to the companies' recommendations and urged them to clearly designate the agency responsible for each issue and the deadline for handling it.
The event also featured in-depth discussions on ways to expand future investment cooperation, in addition to resolving difficulties faced by companies.
Ho Chi Minh City said it intended to further strengthen cooperation with Korean companies in high technology, semiconductors, supporting industries and infrastructure. Ho Chi Minh City currently has at least 200 investment-attraction projects across nine sectors. It plans to prioritize projects that align with Korean companies' strengths, including research and development (R&D), semiconductor design training, next-generation industrial parks, urban transport and ports. Attracting investment in logistics, free-trade zones and green infrastructure was also identified as a key priority. To turn these opportunities for cooperation into concrete projects, the city government plans to continually improve the investment climate, expand the delegation of authority and provide full support to resolve difficulties companies face in carrying out projects.
Meanwhile, South Korea ranks first in the number of foreign-investment projects in Ho Chi Minh City, with approximately 3,400 projects, and second in investment value, with registered capital of about $15.8 billion (approximately 21 trillion won). Around 4,500 South Korean companies currently operate in Ho Chi Minh City.
[email protected] Kim Jun-seok Reporter