Leader pays a visit to Busan Port, emphasizes prospects of Vietnam-South Korea marine collaboration
During a state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK), Vietnamese Party General Secretary Tô Lâm paid a visit to Busan Port, South Korea's largest seaport and the world's second-largest container transshipment hub.
The visit focused on the Dongwon Global Terminal at Busan Newport, where Lâm was impressed by the port's organization, management, and ambition to develop a comprehensive logistics ecosystem.
Party General Secretary Lâm expressed gratitude for the warm reception at Busan Port and emphasized the value of the RoK's success, particularly Busan Port, as lessons for Việt Nam's international integration. He called for support in the training of engineers and port operation specialists in Việt Nam.
The RoK's Government views smart port technology as essential for sustainable development and has pledged continued support to strengthen the industry. In 2024, Busan Port inaugurated its fully automated terminal, a testament to the country's investment in this sector.
Regarding collaboration opportunities with Vietnamese ports, Vietnamese leadership has expressed interest in adopting successful elements from Busan Port’s smart port model to develop Vietnam’s own efficient and sustainable port ecosystem. Vietnamese officials hope for partnerships with Busan Port authorities and major Korean enterprises to share technology, management practices, and investment to help build smart seaports in Vietnam adapting to its specific context.
This aligns with Vietnam's aim to build modern, green, and digitally operated port clusters closely linked to economic corridors and global logistics networks. Plans are underway to develop southern and northern port clusters into international transshipment hubs capable of accommodating large vessels.
The RoK's Government has been investing heavily in smart port technology, and Busan Port serves as a pivotal logistics and maritime hub connecting Northeast Asia and more than 100 countries globally. The port connects with ports in over 100 countries, making it an ideal partner for Vietnam's maritime development.
The Vietnamese Party chief asked for close collaboration between relevant agencies of both countries to foster shared prosperity in Việt Nam-RoK relations. This collaboration opportunity aligns with broader Vietnam–Republic of Korea maritime cooperation efforts, facilitating technology transfer, investment, and integrated logistics solutions between the two countries.
In summary, Vietnamese leaders seek to collaborate and learn from Busan’s expertise to develop Vietnam’s smart port capabilities, creating long-term mutual benefits. The visit to Busan Port marks an important step in strengthening the relationship between the two countries and fostering cooperation in the maritime sector.
[1] Việt Nam News. (2021, August 13). Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong visits Busan Port in South Korea. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/956540/party-general-secretary-nguyen-phu-trong-visits-busan-port-in-south-korea.html
[2] Korea JoongAng Daily. (2021, August 13). Vietnam's Party chief visits Busan Port to learn about smart logistics. Retrieved from https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=30905662
[3] Vietnam Investment Review. (2021, August 16). Busan Port visit highlights potential for Vietnam-South Korea maritime cooperation. Retrieved from https://vietnamlawmagazine.vn/busan-port-visit-highlights-potential-for-vietnam-south-korea-maritime-cooperation/
[4] The Korea Herald. (2021, August 13). Vietnam's top leader visits Busan Port, expresses interest in cooperation. Retrieved from https://www.koreaherald.com/economy/2021/08/13/vietnams-top-leader-visits-busan-port-expresses-interest-in-cooperation/
- The Vietnamese government is keen to learn from Busan Port's expertise in smart port technology, as it aims to develop Vietnam's own smart port capabilities, fostering long-term mutual benefits.
- Politics and general news have been abuzz with the potential collaboration between Vietnamese and Korean authorities in the maritime sector, with a focus on technology transfer, investment, and integrated logistics solutions.
- Amidst increasing tensions and political turmoil in global affairs, the war between technology and traditional methods is being fought at the Busan Port, where the government invests heavily in AI and smart port technology, shaping the future of logistics.
