Hundreds of South Korean firm leaders set to arrive in Vietnam

The event will take place on Thursday at the Intercontinental Hotel in Hanoi, said a representative of Korea CEO Summit (KCS), the organizer of the conference.

Pham Thi Thuy An, head of the CICON Vietnam 2025 organizing board, said that enterprises from both countries had engaged in deep negotiations and mutual understanding well before the event.

Leading Vietnamese companies in sectors like digital technology and industrial zone development are actively seeking investment partners, while many major South Korean investors with strong financial capabilities have responded enthusiastically and are already engaged in productive talks, An stressed.

She also revealed that several investment agreements are expected to be signed during the event.

CICON Vietnam 2025 will mark the beginning of a series of connection programs, with more in-depth cooperation initiatives expected to unfold in the coming months.

The ultimate goal is to attract more high-quality FDI from South Korea.

The conference will not only foster investment ties but also provide a platform for both countries to share long-term strategic visions.

The conference comes amid increasing global trade tensions and shifting tariff policies that have created uncertainty in the Vietnamese investment market.

Though the U.S. has halted the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on Vietnam for 90 days starting April 10, the potential for higher tariffs remains.

An said that there are always two sides to every challenge.

U.S. tariffs are external pressures on the economy and trade, but it is time for businesses to remain calm and seek resilient solutions.

They should find ways to adapt and move forward, she said.

Vincent Pham, head of the CICON Korean organizing board, acknowledged that the U.S. tariff policy would likely influence the investment direction of South Korean firms.

“Some South Korean firms have already realized their limited opportunities in the U.S. market and are instead looking to expand into alternative markets, including Vietnam,” he explained.

“Given the cultural and business similarities between the two countries, we must leverage this moment as a strategic opportunity to unlock our internal potential.”

He further noted that many South Korean investors are committed to investing in Vietnam’s key sectors for the new economic era.

The conference will center around three primary investment sectors: digital technology, green energy, and smart urban development.

Pham said South Korean investors aim to develop industrial zones integrated with Industry 4.0 technologies and automated production systems.

Vietnam’s recent governmental reforms and structural changes are also playing a pivotal role in building investor confidence.