HCMC – Vietnam’s Ministry of Health and South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on April 22 signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in pharmaceuticals, food safety, cosmetics, and related high-tech fields.
The agreement was signed by Health Minister Dao Hong Lan and Minister Oh Yu Kyoung after talks held during the South Korean president’s state visit to Vietnam, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
The MOU sets a framework for long-term cooperation between the two ministries, focusing on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food safety.
Dao Hong Lan described the signing as a milestone to strengthen cooperation and provide a legal basis for deeper and more practical collaboration between the two sides.
She noted that Vietnam and South Korea are comprehensive strategic partners, with expanding cooperation across sectors, including healthcare. Collaboration in pharmaceuticals, food safety, and cosmetics has recorded positive results in recent years.
According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam is implementing policies to modernize its healthcare system and expand international integration. These policies target stronger domestic capacity in drug, vaccine, and biomedical production, improved food safety management aligned with international practices, and better regulatory systems for medical equipment and innovation.
The ministry said that these efforts are increasing demand for international cooperation, particularly in technology transfer and regulatory capacity building. Vietnam expects to expand practical cooperation with South Korea in these areas.
Oh Yu Kyoung acknowledged progress in bilateral cooperation and outlined South Korea’s capabilities in food safety, medical devices, vaccine management, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Vietnam also proposed cooperation in stem cell research and applications. The South Korean side responded that it has approved stem cell-based therapies for more than a decade and is ready to share its experience and relevant regulations.
On investment, South Korea noted that its pharmaceutical companies are showing growing interest in expanding business and production in Vietnam. It also raised the possibility of regulatory reference practices to support cooperation in production, business activities, and technology transfer, aiming to help stabilize the pharmaceutical supply in Vietnam.
Both sides expressed expectations that the MOU will support deeper cooperation and deliver practical benefits to both countries.
