The Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (KOCHAM) collected cash and in-kind donations worth approximately VND13 billion (US$510,300) at the 2024 KOCHAM Charity Night on Thursday, planning to use the amount for volunteer activities in several Vietnamese localities.

The donations were made by South Korean enterprises operating in Vietnam during the 21st KOCHAM Charity Night, which took place in Ho Chi Minh City.

The funds will be allocated to support hospitals, patients, those in need, and provide scholarships for students in Ho Chi Minh City as well as neighboring Long An, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces.

KOCHAM has already handed over VND300 million ($11,800) of the $510,300 to the city’s Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee.

Speaking at the event, KOCHAM chairman Choi Bundo said the South Korean business community in Vietnam has become reliable economic partners for Vietnamese businesses and people, having significantly contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic growth by creating jobs, sharing technology, and supporting educational development.

He added that the chamber is also involved in promoting scholarship programs for Vietnamese students.

According to Choi, KOCHAM strives to help improve the business environment in Vietnam and to promote sustainable social development.

It has also consistently joined hands with provincial and municipal authorities in Vietnam to create an increasingly bright future for the relationship between Hanoi and Seoul.

Addressing the event, Cho Young Je, commercial counselor at the South Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City said it is necessary to create a responsible and ethical South Korean business community in Vietnam.

Despite its positive economic growth, many South Korean businesses feel that Vietnam is still facing a difficult economic situation caused by ongoing geopolitical conflicts across the globe, Choi told the charity night.

He underlined that the event was a good opportunity for the South Korean business community to support charitable causes in the Southeast Asian country.

Established in 2003, KOCHAM, which now boasts more than 900 corporate members, represents over 5,000 Korean businesses operating in the central and southern regions of Vietnam.

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