South Korean and Vietnamese business and government leaders vow to bolster cooperation in high-tech sectors, supply chains and energy, as both countries look to navigate mounting geopolitical tensions and protectionist trade policies.

The two nations have pledged to nearly double bilateral trade and explore closer military ties, with expanded arms sales on the cards.

Vietnam conglomerate CT Group has signed a deal to export 5,000 heavy-duty unmanned aerial vehicles to South Korea, marking a breakthrough for the nation’s high-tech manufacturing sector.