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Vietnam and South Korea have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on veterinary and animal quarantine cooperation. Finalized during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s high-level visit to Vietnam, the agreement marks a significant step in agricultural collaboration.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) headquarters, led by Minister Trinh Viet Hung, and South Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Song Mi-ryung. Through this MOU, the processed chicken market officially opens between the two countries.
Expanding trade and strengthening livestock value chains
The opening of the processed chicken market is expected to drive progress toward the bilateral trade target of USD 150 billion.
Minister Hung explained that in the initial phase, each country will authorize two pilot companies to export processed chicken products. This measured rollout reflects both caution and ambition, providing a strong foundation before scaling up.
“We expect this initial move to attract more qualified enterprises to participate. Gaining access to a demanding market like South Korea will help enhance value addition for Vietnam’s livestock and food processing industries,” he emphasized.
Coordinated quarantine and broader market access
Beyond facilitating trade in processed chicken, the MOU establishes a more coordinated framework for veterinary cooperation. Minister Song noted that the agreement reflects sustained negotiations between Vietnam’s Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health and South Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.
Both sides pledged continued technical exchanges to pave the way for additional products:
- Vietnam: Prioritizing market access for pork exports to South Korea.
- South Korea: Accelerating procedures to export beef to Vietnam.
Standardized quarantine procedures are expected to improve food safety, reduce technical barriers, and ensure smoother agricultural trade flows.
Vietnamese enterprises rise to global standards
The agreement highlights Vietnam’s growing ability to meet strict international requirements. Pawalit Ua-Amornwanit, CEO of CP Vietnam Corporation, said approval to export to South Korea validates Vietnam’s production and processing capacity.
Enterprises achieved this milestone with strong support from the MAE, which guided them through documentation and complex technical requirements.
With regulators and businesses working closely, Vietnam-South Korea agricultural trade is positioned for sustainable growth, diversified consumer choices, and stronger global recognition of Vietnamese products.