During the pandemic, social distancing has been actively promoted to counter the spread of the COVID – 19. This has, in turn, accelerated rapid digitalization in every aspect of daily lives, and cooperation in the digital field has become more important than ever. ASEAN have been partnering with Korea in many areas in the digital sphere including e-commerce, e-learning, IT startup, and social media. In the past, before the COVID – 19 broke out, traditional economic activities have been carried out in a “face to face” mode, which leads to the consequence that the government could not control it. As a result, the online economy is ingrained in the daily life of the people. In order to avoid the infection, it is understandable that “contactless” activities based on existing technological infrastructure become more active. Many shopping centers, which are typical direct shopping spaces of people, are actively stimulating demand for online shopping. In response to the sharp drop in shoppers due to the COVID-19 epidemic, some shopping centers have expanded e-commerce channels and achieved positive results.
Cooperation between ASEAN and Korea
Korea affirmed its relations with ASEAN, supported ASEAN’s central role in the region, and actively participated in cooperation mechanisms initiated by ASEAN. After taking office, President Moon Jae-In announced the “New South Policy” to strengthen relations with ASEAN, launched the “Initiative 3Ps”, proposed to the Senior Organization to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Establishment of ASEAN- Korea Partnership in Korea on November 25-26, 2019. Currently, Korea is ASEAN’s 5th largest trading partner and investor. The number of tourists from ASEAN to South Korea exceeded 10 million in 2018. Trade cooperation is implemented on the basis of the ASEAN-Korea FTA which took effect since 2010.
Main purpose of the relationship between ASEAN and Korea
Korea is promoting cooperation in transport, energy, water resources management and technology to strengthen connectivity between ASEAN and South Korea. The ASEAN-Korea Business Council and the ASEAN-Korea Center promote initiatives to strengthen private sector linkages and support the development of MSMEs. Korea is very interested in cooperation in forest management, disaster relief and disaster relief. Although ASEAN member countries have differences in political institutions and economic development levels, they have managed disagreements well through step-by-step dialogue, persistence, and close cooperation to evolve into exemplary and flexible regional cooperation mechanisms. On the other hand, ASEAN political competition among major countries also poses challenges for the organize to maintain balance as well as avoid the effects of the “war” of the big countries. Early realizing the limitations in the application of science and technology in developed countries in the 1980s, the Korean government determined that the enhancement of technical capacity and autonomous technology became a key issue for development. in the new stage. Therefore, Korea has focused on two missions: promoting research from the private sector and accelerating the training of scientists and technology.
ASEAN and South Korea in the COVID pandemic – 19
During the COVID-19 crisis, new manufacturing, typically the smart factory, became increasingly important and was judged to be less affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. According to the Ministry of Planning and Finance, in Korea, the manufacturing sector accounts for 27.8% of South Korea’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), higher than the corresponding proportion of countries with similar industrial structures. Germany and Japan.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected economic activities in both Korea, ASEAN and India. Therefore, “Korea – ASEAN and India Business Week 2020” is seen as an opportunity for countries to promote digital transformation and cooperation among Asian countries together. The event plays a role in connecting Korean, ASEAN and Indian businesses. At the same time, Korea emphasized that it will strengthen cooperation, support ASEAN to develop the digital economy and apply new technologies to support businesses to overcome the economic impact of the Covid epidemic.
In addition, Vietnam has actively promoted the discussion and adoption of the ASEAN + 3 Action Plan on Mitigating the Economic Impact of Covid-19 and the Joint Initiative among Ministers. This initiative aims to strengthen cooperation and linkages across the region in overcoming the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and preparing for a post-pandemic economic recovery. Digital conversion speed is getting faster and faster.
South Korea has made many efforts to dialogue with North Korea and is supported by ASEAN countries, while highlighting the importance of resolving the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue.
Conclusion
Korea and ASEAN agreed to build a people-centered peaceful and prosperous community and recognize ASEAN’s role in promoting peace. The leaders of ASEAN and South Korea also agreed to promote economic cooperation for shared prosperity, especially in the areas of trade and investment, small and medium enterprises and connectivity (MSMEs), as well as relations. start-up and innovation partners, in the era of the 4th industrial revolution.
Conflicts of Interest: The author declared that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.
Authors
Bui Thi Dieu Linh 1, Nguyen Duc Duy 1, Ta Thu Ha 1, Ju Hyung Lee*, 2, Vinh Bao Ngoc3, Tran Bach Hieu4, Tran Dinh Minh*, 1
1 VNU-University of Education, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
2 Kongju National University, South Korea
3VNU University of Economics and Business, Hanoi, Vietnam
4VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi, Vietnam
Corresponding authors: Professor. Ju Hyung Lee (lee37895661@gmail.com), and Dr. Tran Bach Hieu (bachhieu168@gmail.com )