Meeting and Reception between HCMUNRE and the YIPA, Korea

On June 18, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE) hosted a reception and working session with the Yeongwol Industry Promotion Agency (YIPA), Korea. The purpose of the meeting was to assign responsibilities necessary for the preparation of the “Needs Assessment Proposal” and to discuss and agree on the implementation schedule related to the drafting of the proposal.

Figure 1 – Overview of the Working Session

Attending the meeting on behalf of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE) were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoang Nghiem – Vice President; Dr. Huynh Thien Tai – Head of Department of Science, Technology Management and External Relations; Dr. Le Thi Kim Thoa – Deputy Head of Department of Science, Technology Management and External Relations; Dr. Tran Thanh Tam – Deputy Head of Department of Science, Technology Management and External Relations s; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy – Senior Lecturer of Faculty of Geology and Mineral Resources; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Chon – Director of the Research Institute for Sustainable Development; Dr. Thiem Quoc Tuan – Head of the Faculty of Geology and Mineral Resources; Dr. Dang Xuan Truong – Deputy Head of the Department of Equipment and Facilities Management; Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuan Quynh – Lecturer of Faculty of Geology and Mineral Resources; Ms. Phan Thi Diem Hanh – Head of the Department of Planning and Finance; MSc. Huynh Tien Dat – Lecturer of the Faculty of Geology and Mineral Resources; and MSc. Nguyen Tien Son – Head of the Laboratory Analysis Division, Southern Marine Geological Mapping Federation.

Figure 2 – The Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE)

Representatives from the Yeongwol Industry Promotion Agency (YIPA), Republic of Korea, who attended the working session included Mr. Eum Kwang Yeol, Director of YIPA; Mr. Choi Sung Bum, Center Director of YIPA; and Mr. Jo Hyung Taek, CEO of Bizwell Co., Ltd.

Figure 3 – The Yeongwol Industry Promotion Agency (YIPA)

Within the framework of the meeting and reception between the Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE) and the Yeongwol Industry Promotion Agency (YIPA), South Korea, the two parties conducted an in-depth discussion to identify specific areas of cooperation aligned with long-term development orientations in the field of natural resources and environment. During the meeting, both sides focused on analyzing, exchanging, and reaching consensus on key technical matters related to the implementation of several potential programs and projects, including an ODA project on the research and development of non-metallic mineral products in Vietnam.

Specifically, the two sides agreed to implement the following main contents:

1. Task Allocation for Drafting the “Needs Survey Proposal” to prepare the dossier for ODA project application. The proposal will focus on core tasks including:
   • Conducting surveys, collecting, and analyzing the current status of non-metallic mineral resources in Vietnam, especially those with high industrial and energy application potential such as limestone, magnesite, etc.
   • Studying, compiling, and evaluating existing documents related to the non-metallic mineral product market, including the current status of the industry, mining and processing technologies being applied in Vietnam and globally, market trends, domestic demand, and export potential.
2. Discussion and agreement on the implementation plan and timeline for drafting the “Needs Survey Proposal.” This includes determining key milestones, assigning specific tasks to expert teams, establishing bilateral coordination mechanisms, and proposing regular meetings to ensure progress and output quality in line with ODA project requirements.

Through this working session, both parties expressed a clear willingness to collaborate, laying a solid foundation toward in-depth and strategic cooperation programs in the future. This activity also highlights the important role of universities and industrial promotion agencies in accompanying governments and enterprises in sustainable development initiatives and addressing global challenges in the fields of resources, environment, and energy transition.

Figure 4 – Summary Photo of Representatives from Both Parties

Both parties have agreed to proceed with the implementation of tasks as proposed by the Yeongwol Industry Promotion Agency (YIPA). The Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE) will undertake the relevant assignments in accordance with the content mutually agreed upon by both sides. Simultaneously, YIPA will be responsible for reviewing, consolidating, and finalizing the necessary information, and for developing the framework outline of the proposed tasks in preparation for the implementation of an ODA project aimed at establishing a Center for Quality Assessment of Geological and Mineral Resources in Vietnam. This represents a significant step forward in promoting practical cooperation activities in the field of natural resources and environment, contributing to sustainable development and fostering innovation.