The most possible favourable conditions would be ensured for the newly-established South Korean Consulate General to operate effectively in Da Nang. The statement was confirmed by municipal People's Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh during his Thursday reception for South Korean Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoo Dae Jong.

Municipal People's Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh (right) presenting a momento to South Korean Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoo Dae Jong (Photo: http://cadn.com.vn)

South Korea is one of Da Nang’s major and important partners in many aspects. Currently, South Korea ranks 2^nd in the number of projects operating in Da Nang, and 5th in terms of the total registered investment capital channeled into the city.

As of mid-September, the city had attracted 193 South Korean-invested projects totalling over 316 million US$.

South Korea has been secured its position as Da Nang’s biggest international tourist source market. By late this year, the city is likely to have welcomed 1.8 million visitors from the East Asian country. More than 10,000 South Korean nationals now live and work in the city. There are 4 non-stop air services connecting Da Nang with this foreign country.

Up to now, Da Nang has established friendly and cooperative relationships with 5 South Korean localities, namely Changwon, Daegu, Hwaseong, Seoul, and Gyeongsan.

Recent years have seen fruitful bilateral cooperative activities in economy, agriculture, education, human resource exchange, and healthcare.

Every year, many groups of students and volunteers from the East Asian country come to Da Nang for their active engagement in helping the disadvantaged at social sponsor centres and sponsoring charity activities across the city.

According to Vice Chairman Minh, Da Nang is placing a focus on developing strongly the aspects of information technology, hi-tech, seaport services, aviation associated with logistics and tourism. This offers potential cooperation opportunities for foreign investors, including those from South Korea.

The host encouraged Deputy Minister Yoo Dae Jong to continue assisting Da Nang’s appeals for more South Korean investment.

In reply, Deputy Minister Yoo Dae Jong remarked, the establishment of the South Korean Consulate marked an important milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

In addition to protecting South Korean citizens, the establishment of the South Korean Consulate General in Da Nang is in charge of offering active help to South Korean businesses operating in Da Nang, and helping strengthen the bilateral friendship and cooperation with the central Vietnamese city.

By LAM PHUONG – Translated by ANH THU