Five sources with knowledge of the plans confirm that Vietnamese President To Lam will welcome South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Hanoi next week for diplomatic discussions.
This diplomatic visit marks the first time a foreign head of state will meet with Lam since his presidential election last week, which allows him to hold both the presidency and Communist Party leadership simultaneously – the most influential position in Vietnam’s single-party system.
While this represents Lam’s inaugural meeting with a foreign leader on Vietnamese soil in his new role, he previously conducted high-level diplomacy by meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this Wednesday.
According to the informed sources, the diplomatic encounter is planned for April 23.
Officials anticipate the signing of various governmental cooperation pacts during the visit. Although Seoul has expressed interest in Vietnam’s major infrastructure initiatives, including railway development and nuclear energy facilities, sources indicate no significant decisions regarding these projects are anticipated.
Neither South Korea’s foreign ministry nor Vietnam’s foreign ministry provided responses when contacted for official statements.
In terms of economic partnerships, South Korea holds the position as Vietnam’s top foreign investor based on total accumulated investment. Samsung’s manufacturing operations alone contribute over ten percent of Vietnam’s total export revenue. However, Vietnamese government statistics show Korean investment commitments declined approximately 25% in the previous year compared to 2024, attributed to trade uncertainties and concerns regarding Vietnamese regulatory policies.
This upcoming diplomatic meeting represents the second encounter between these leaders within roughly eight months. Lam previously traveled to Seoul in August, becoming the first foreign leader received by Lee following his presidential election.
Lee’s delegation will include a substantial business contingent featuring Samsung representatives, with multiple corporate agreements anticipated for signing, potentially on April 23, though officials have not disclosed specific deal details.
Regarding Samsung’s discussions with Vietnamese officials about constructing a semiconductor backend facility, three informed sources report progress after years of negotiations, though the timing of any official announcement remains uncertain.
Vietnamese media recently removed reports about a proposed $4 billion investment in semiconductor testing and potentially packaging facilities.
The three sources indicated Samsung’s potential financial commitment has not reached finalization. They noted the initial investment would be smaller than previously reported and could grow over time, possibly encompassing a network of supplier companies.
Samsung has declined to provide official comments on these developments.
