Investment from the RoK surges ahead

SK Group, the second-largest conglomerate in the RoK with a market capitalisation of nearly 200 billion USD, ranks among the top 100 global enterprises. The conglomerate owns approximately 200 subsidiaries spanning multiple industries, with total revenue exceeding 150 billion USD in 2024. In Vietnam, SK has invested approximately 3.5 billion USD in major corporations such as Vingroup, Masan, and pharmaceutical company Imexpharm, along with eco-friendly biodegradable materials production projects.

Rising to the top

In early January, SK divested from Vingroup. However, this did not alter its positive outlook on the Vietnamese market. A month later, SK's leadership affirmed plans to expand investment in Vietnam, focusing on key sectors such as clean energy (LNG, wind power, solar power, hydrogen), pharmaceuticals and healthcare, logistics, and information technology. SK’s increasing presence in Vietnam not only brings in significant capital but also fosters strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and sustainable growth in various key economic sectors.

Real estate among top investment industries from the RoK. (Photo: NDO)

Earlier in 2025, Samsung Display (the RoK) officially received an investment registration certificate to increase its capital. An additional 1.2 billion USD has been allocated to a new-generation-display manufacturing plant in Bac Ninh. The factory will produce OLED screens for mobile phones, IT devices, and automotive products. With this investment, Samsung aims to establish Vietnam as a global production hub for its new-generation displays.

Ko Tae Yeon, Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (KoCham), noted that among the 114 countries and territories investing in Vietnam in 2024, the RoK ranked second (after Singapore). The 7.06 billion USD in the RoK investments accounted for 18.5% of total FDI, marking a 37.5% increase compared to 2023. In January 2025, the RoK rose to the top with total investments exceeding 1.25 billion USD, representing 28.9% of total investment — 13.4 times higher than the same period last year. The cumulative the RoK’s investment in Vietnam has now reached 92 billion USD.

The RoK’s enterprises not only bring significant capital but also facilitate technology transfer, boosting Vietnam’s high-tech and semiconductor industries. Samsung, a leading conglomerate, has strategically invested in Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, and Ho Chi Minh City, positioning Vietnam as a key manufacturing hub in the region. LG has also been expanding its electronics manufacturing facilities in Hai Phong. Furthermore, these companies frequently collaborate with local partners to establish strong supply chains, fostering economic growth across the region.

Vietnam holds great potential in attracting FDI in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and green energy. The country has the opportunity to become a leader in high technology, with the RoK enterprises willing to closely cooperate and drive advancements in these fields. In the near future, the RoK's firms aim to participate in key projects including the North-South high-speed railway and nuclear power development, covering everything from design and manufacturing to workforce training.

Adapting to market changes

According to a KoCham survey, 82% of the RoK businesses believe that the Vietnamese government is effectively responding to external economic fluctuations, thanks to its diplomatic capabilities and FDI-friendly policies. However, some the RoK enterprises exporting to major markets such as the US express concerns about potential policy adjustments, including tariffs and trade regulations under President Donald Trump’s administration. As a result, businesses have called on the Government of Vietnam to support the resolution of tariff-related challenges, especially for exports to the US.

The RoK investors are also focused on improving Vietnam’s infrastructure and logistics. They seek attractive incentives, particularly in high-tech equipment imports, and the reduction of customs, import taxes, and VAT refund-related barriers. Addressing administrative delays and procedural bottlenecks will enhance confidence among the RoK and other foreign investors, encouraging more investment and business expansion.

During a roundtable discussion with 35 major Korean corporations and businesses on March 4, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted Vietnam’s strong commitment to strategic reforms. The government is implementing comprehensive measures under the principle of "open institutions, seamless infrastructure, and intelligent governance and workforce" to reduce costs, enhance product competitiveness, and facilitate business operations. Infrastructure development — including transportation, logistics, energy, and digital infrastructure — will be further accelerated. Administrative reforms and smart governance initiatives remain a priority for the government.

The prime minister expressed special interest in the RoK investors and hopes that major enterprises from the RoK will further enhance their cooperation, investment, production, and business activities in Vietnam. He expects businesses to achieve higher efficiency year after year and decade after decade. The valuable experiences of these enterprises will contribute to the development of institutional frameworks and an investor-friendly business environment. In the long-term strategy, as businesses expand their investments, Vietnam is ready to serve as a key development hub and a critical link in global supply chains, facilitating the transfer of advanced technologies.

The prime minister urged Korean enterprises to collaborate with the Vietnamese government and local businesses in high-value sectors such as advanced technology, high-tech industries, and global supply chain connectivity. Additionally, investment opportunities should not be overlooked in manufacturing, real estate, infrastructure development, telecommunications, tourism, cultural industries, and entertainment. "The Vietnamese government is committed to ensuring that the foreign-invested sector remains an integral part of the national economy, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of investors while maintaining political stability, public security, and favourable institutional and policy frameworks to attract investment," Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised.