Viet Nam has become the second largest economic partner of the Republic of Korea (RoK), just after Singapore, said RoK Ambassador to Viet Nam, Im Hong Jae.

The RoK diplomat made the remarks at a seminar in Hanoi on Jan. 20 to introduce the RoK’s economic development strategy in 2009, as well as RoK businesses’ contributions to social activities in Viet Nam.

At present, as many as 2,058 RoK-invested projects are being implemented in Viet Nam with a total capital investment of US$1.6 billion. More than 1,600 RoK enterprises are running business in the country, he said.

Ambassador Im Hong Jae also highlighted the bright investment prospects and business environment in Viet Nam. He stressed that in 2009, the RoK government will focus on removing difficulties caused by the global economic turndown, making future plans and renovating the national economy. The RoK will implement policies to support import-export activities, stabilise the financial and foreign exchange markets, promote administrative reform and generate more jobs. The country aims to achieve an economic growth rate of 3% and encourage businesses use renewable energy and environment-friendly methods, he added.

He said that RoK businesses actively took part in social activities in Vietnam and provided US$46.5 billion in aid for the early living alone, underprivileged children and voluntary healthcare programmes. (VOV)