On November 21, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE) formally organized a welcoming and working session with the delegation from the Yeongwol Industrial Promotion Agency, Republic of Korea (YIPA). The session took place in an atmosphere of open and professional cooperation, reflecting the commitment of both parties in preparing the preliminary groundwork for a prospective collaborative project to be implemented in the near future. The central purpose of the meeting was to discuss project orientations, development strategies, and to reach consensus on preparatory procedures to ensure effective and timely implementation.
Figure 1 – Overview of the working session
Participating on behalf of HCMUNRE were Assoc. Prof. Le Hoang Nghiem, Vice President; Dr. Le Thi Kim Thoa, Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology Management and External Relations; Dr. Thiem Quoc Tuan, Head of the Faculty of Geology and Mineral Resources; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy, Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Geology and Mineral Resources; Dr. Ly Cam Hung – Head of the Faculty of Applied Sciences; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Chon – Director of the Research Institute for Sustainable Development; and Dr. Dang Xuan Truong – Deputy Head of the Department of Equipment and Facilities Management.
Figure 2 – Representatives of HCMUNRE
From the partner institution, representatives from YIPA included Mr. Eum Kwang Yeol, President of the Yeongwol Industrial Promotion Agency; Mr. Choi Sung Bum, Research Specialist of the Yeongwol Industrial Promotion Agency; and Mr. Hyung Taek Jo, Chief Executive Officer of Bizwell Co., Ltd
Figure 3 – Yeongwol Industrial Promotion Agency (YIPA), Republic of Korea
During the working session, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on the proposed cooperation, emphasizing the necessity of establishing a strategic project aimed at promoting advancements in science–technology, resource-based industries, and applied research. Representatives from HCMUNRE affirmed the significance of expanding international cooperation, particularly as the university is prioritizing the development of research programs, technological innovation, and high-quality human resource training. YIPA expressed strong agreement with this direction and emphasized that Vietnam is considered a potential partner for implementing projects related to industrial development, resource utilization, and optimization of mineral value chains.
Regarding procedures and preparatory steps for project implementation, both sides discussed in detail the required documentation, procedural workflow, and legal requirements. The discussions covered the development timeline for completing the project proposal, preparation of technical documents, establishment of a framework for feasibility study reports, and coordination requirements between Vietnamese and Korean agencies. YIPA shared its experience in managing international cooperation projects in Korea and offered several recommendations to ensure project alignment and efficiency. HCMUNRE acknowledged these recommendations and reiterated its commitment to fully complying with Vietnamese regulations applicable to projects involving foreign partners.
Figure 4 – Conclusion and representatives of both parties
At the conclusion of the working session, the two sides agreed to maintain regular communication to update progress and promptly address any emerging requirements during the preparatory phase. Both HCMUNRE and YIPA affirmed their determination to work closely together to complete the necessary procedures and advance the project to its official implementation stage. The university highly appreciated the cooperative spirit, goodwill, and thorough preparation of YIPA, and expressed its expectation that this partnership will yield practical outcomes, contributing to the development of the resource industry sector, scientific research, and international cooperation in the coming period.