By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

During the Korea-Vietnam Summit held on August 11, Pyeongtaek and Da Nang, key economic hubs of both countries, held a "Friendship Exchange Agreement Exchange Ceremony."

Pyeongtaek and Da Nang previously signed a friendship exchange agreement in April, but this exchange was held again following Da Nang's elevation to a centrally-controlled city in July.

The unusual inclusion of a local government exchange event at a summit is interpreted as a sign of the two countries' intention to expand the scope and depth of cooperation to include local governments.

Indeed, the cooperative system between Pyeongtaek and Da Nang is expected to solidify the multi-layered diplomatic network between Korea and Vietnam.

The agreement between the two cities has also been expanded and detailed compared to April. In addition to the economic, education, culture, and sports areas covered in the previous agreement, it now includes cooperation in future industries and the environment.

The agreement also includes specific measures such as supporting and promoting the development of free trade zones in both cities and strengthening cooperation in cutting-edge industries like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

Pyeongtaek and Da Nang intend to use this exchange ceremony as an opportunity to expedite concrete projects for the sustainable development of both cities.

In this regard, Pyeongtaek City Mayor Jeong Jang-seon and Da Nang Party Secretary Nguyen Van Quang, the top official in the city, met in Seoul the day before the ceremony and discussed future implementation plans.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed on the following: dispatching experts in the semiconductor and free trade zone sectors, holding regular exchange meetings, and expanding cooperation in environmental areas such as carbon neutrality.

Mayor Jeong Jang-seon explained, "Vietnam's growth potential is growing, and there are many areas where we can coexist, so Pyeongtaek has built trust with major Vietnamese cities such as Da Nang and Tam Ky."

He added, "The fact that local government exchange events were held on the highest level of diplomatic ties reflects the recognition that both governments need practical cooperation in their respective regions and industrial settings."