​Expanding the framework for export control cooperation

On April 23, 2026, in Hanoi, the Agency of Foreign Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam) and the Trade Security Policy Bureau (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the RoK) held a signing ceremony for an MoU on export control cooperation. The event was attended by representatives from the Agency of Foreign Trade, relevant units under the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, and RoK agencies responsible for trade management and export control.

The signing took place against a backdrop of increasingly stringent global trade requirements on controlling the flow of goods, ensuring compliance with regulations related to security, safety, and transparency across global supply chains.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the Agency of Foreign Trade, said this was the first MoU signed by the agency with a foreign counterpart of equivalent function in the field of trade control. He stressed that the agreement holds practical significance as Vietnam gradually implements its legal framework on strategic trade control, particularly for dual-use goods.

“We highly appreciate this memorandum of understanding, as it is the first agreement of its kind signed by the Agency of Foreign Trade with a corresponding authority of a foreign ministry in trade control,” he said.

According to him, bilateral trade turnover between Vietnam and RoK reached nearly USD 90 billion in 2025. As leaders of the two countries have set a target of raising bilateral trade to USD 150 billion by 2030, enhanced cooperation on export control is expected to strengthen mutual trust and improve management of dual-use goods without hindering legitimate trade flows.

Sharing experience, supporting policy implementation

Taewoo Kim, Director of the Trade Security Policy Bureau under the RoK’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, commended Vietnam’s prompt efforts to advance cooperation shortly after issuing Decree No. 259/2025/ND-CP on strategic trade control.

“Although today’s signing is not witnessed by the two ministers, the swift conclusion of this MoU on export control cooperation right after Vietnam introduced new regulations demonstrates timely and necessary collaboration,” he said.

The RoK side also expressed confidence that the target of USD 150 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 is achievable if both countries continue to expand cooperation in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, shipbuilding, batteries, minerals, and other key industries. With major RoK corporations such as Samsung and Hyundai making large-scale investments in Vietnam, establishing a clear mechanism for information exchange on export control is considered essential to facilitate smoother trade and investment activities.

Nguyen Anh Son noted that Vietnam is currently in the early stages of implementing Decree No. 259/2025/ND-CP, while the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Science and Technology are continuing to develop guiding documents. He emphasized that this is a new and complex area involving multiple ministries and agencies, and Vietnam hopes to receive further support from the RoK in institutional development, identification of dual-use goods, and technical coordination mechanisms among enforcement bodies.

“We hope that the RoK will support the Agency of Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and other relevant units in building and operating a comprehensive, transparent strategic trade control system aligned with international practices,” he said.

The MoU provides a basis for both sides to enhance information exchange, share management experience, and coordinate in policy development on export control. It also aims to strengthen the implementation capacity of regulatory authorities in accordance with international standards and practices.

The signing further concretizes economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK, highlighting the importance of import-export management in the context of deepening international integration.

At the meeting, the two sides also discussed the designation of focal points, increased information sharing, joint training programs, and technical assistance in policy implementation. The RoK side affirmed its readiness to continue supporting Vietnam by sharing practical experience in developing control lists, organizing enforcement, and training personnel.