Samsung, SK, LG and Other Korean Companies Continue Donations Amid Vietnam's 'Vaccine Fee Demand'

Samsung Electronics mobile phone factory in Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam. Photo by VN Express website capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] Korean companies have contributed large sums in response to the Vietnamese government's request for COVID-19 vaccine purchase funds.

Earlier, the Vietnamese central government announced a plan to establish a vaccine purchase fund by receiving support not only from the public sector but also from companies, as the fourth wave of COVID-19 began in earnest at the end of last month. It was later revealed that the government had continuously requested Korean companies to participate in the 'vaccine fund' through phone calls and other means, causing some controversy.

Today (27th), the Vietnamese government and local industry sources stated that among Korean companies, Samsung Electronics was the first to take action. Samsung donated approximately 2.8 billion KRW to the Vietnamese central government and provincial authorities, which is the largest donation among foreign companies operating locally. Following this, SK also donated 1 million USD (approximately 1.12 billion KRW). In response, Nguyen Thanh Long, Minister of Health of Vietnam, met with representatives of the two companies on the 25th to express gratitude.

Additionally, CJ Group visited the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance and donated 6.49 billion VND (approximately 318 million KRW) as a vaccine fund to overcome COVID-19. The donation ceremony was attended by Ho Duc Phuc, Minister of Finance of Vietnam, and Jang Boksang, Head of CJ Vietnam Regional Headquarters. Minister Phuc stated, "CJ Group has carried out various social contribution activities to promote mutual development with the Vietnamese community," and added, "We are grateful for their help during the difficult situation caused by the fourth wave of COVID-19."

LG Electronics also donated 1.55 billion KRW to Hai Phong Province, where its production facilities are located, and Shinhan Bank donated 6 billion VND (approximately 290 million KRW) to the Vietnamese government through the central bank. In addition, other foreign companies such as Japan's Toyota and Taiwan's Foxconn reportedly donated around 500 million KRW each.

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics had previously donated quarantine supplies worth 10 billion VND (approximately 480 million KRW) to Bac Ninh Province and 6 billion VND (approximately 290 million KRW) to Bac Giang Province on the 4th of this month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.