ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND INVESTMENT RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND VIETNAM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18074753Keywords:
economic diplomacy, foreign direct investment, Vietnam, South Korea, bilateral tradeAbstract
Over the past decade, economic relations between the Republic of Korea and Vietnam have evolved into one of
the most dynamic bilateral partnerships in East and Southeast Asia. This paper examines the role of economic diplomacy
in shaping trade expansion and foreign direct investment (FDI) flows between the two countries. Using secondary data
from international organizations, government statistics, and policy reports, the study analyzes trade dynamics, investment
structures, and institutional mechanisms supporting bilateral cooperation. The findings indicate that Korea has become
one of Vietnam’s largest foreign investors, particularly in manufacturing and high-technology sectors, while Vietnam has
emerged as a strategic production base within Korea’s regional economic strategy. The paper argues that bilateral free
trade agreements and active diplomatic engagement have played a decisive role in facilitating these outcomes. At the
same time, increasing interdependence creates new structural challenges that require balanced and forward-looking
economic diplomacy.
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