The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sunghwan) announced that, on the occasion of President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to Vietnam, it held the “17th Korea-Vietnam Environment Ministers’ Meeting” in Hanoi on April 21, where the two countries discussed cooperation measures on climate and environmental issues, including water management and climate change response.

At this meeting, Minister Kim Sunghwan met with Minister Trinh Viet Hung of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to hold in-depth discussions on water security cooperation, climate change and carbon markets, and environmental and waste management cooperation

In particular, the two countries agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the water sector. In response to the climate crisis, Vietnam is not only increasing investment in urban flood mitigation but is also experiencing a surge in water demand driven by investment attraction in advanced industries such as semiconductors. At the same time, to raise its relatively low sewerage coverage rate (in the 10% range), it is promoting infrastructure development through the attraction of private capital and technology, including public-private partnership projects. In addition, as fuel prices such as coal rise, demand for relatively low-cost waste-derived fuels is increasing in Vietnam; however, the absence of relevant technical standards means that legislative frameworks are needed. 

On the occasion of this ministerial meeting, Korea shared its water management experience and technologies with Vietnam, supported the entry of Korean water companies into the Vietnamese market, and concluded three memoranda of understanding (MOUs)* involving both the public and private sectors to improve waste management. 

*(Korea-Mekong Water Center (KOMEC) - Vietnam National Mekong Committee (VNMC)) Cooperation on water resource management in the Mekong River basin and mutual collaboration (Samjin E&I - BECAMEX) Establishment of a partnership and technical cooperation in water management and carbon neutrality

(Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute - Department of Science and Technology, Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) Cooperation on establishing national technical standards for solid fuels 

As a follow-up measure to the Korea-Vietnam summit (Aug. 2025), a memorandum of understanding was signed between the KOMEC and the VNMC on cooperation in Mekong basin water management to accelerate bilateral collaboration in the water resources sector. In addition, Samjin E&I, a company specializing in smart water management systems, and Becamex IDC, Vietnam’s largest state-owned industrial park developer, have joined forces to establish a foundation for cooperation in areas such as industrial water supply management and biogas production. 

In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed under which the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute will support improvements in waste management and reduction, as well as the establishment of standards for solid fuels. Going forward, it is expected that domestic companies with advanced technologies will participate in the production of alternative fuels, helping to ease the fuel cost burden of Korean manufacturing companies operating in Vietnam. 

Minister Kim Sunghwan of the MCEE stated, “The 17th Environment Ministers’ Meeting will serve as an important milestone as our two countries move toward the shared goals of responding to the climate crisis and establishing water security.” He added, “Korea will continue to work closely with Vietnam in the climate and environment sectors to demonstrate global climate leadership.”

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