Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Reduced quarantine period applied to Korean biz travelers entering Vietnam
Korean business travelers wait to check in their luggage at Incheon International Airport before departing to Vietnam, Thursday. Courtesy of KCCI
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Korean business travelers who have been vaccinated will get a reduced quarantine period when visiting Vietnam, thanks to the newly implemented Vaccine Track system.
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced the system started off Thursday, with 84 vaccinated businesspeople from 50 companies traveling to the Southeast Asian country.
The Vaccine Track system reduces the compulsory quarantine to seven days from the previous 14 once they submit negative PCR test results and vaccination certificates.
With the COVID-19 pandemic spiking in Vietnam, the country imposed a 28-day quarantine and self-isolation policy for all visitors. But Vaccine Track will reduce the quarantine costs for visitors and enable them to work more proactively.
The KCCI worked tenaciously through its networks to persuade the authorities in Vietnam to implement Vaccine Track. The South Korean Embassy in Vietnam also made several official requests regarding the matter.
In response, Vietnam's Office of the Prime Minister instructed the relevant ministries earlier this month to review the new system, which was then applied to the KCCI business team for the first time, Thursday.
“The special entry of vaccinated business travelers and the reduced quarantine period greatly demonstrate our companies' willingness to invest in Vietnam. Through such efforts, we also will be able to win the trust of the Vietnamese government,” KCCI Vice Chairman Woo Tae-hee was quoted as saying in a press release.
Korean companies in Vietnam have faced setbacks due to a lack of in-house technicians in the field, but Vaccine Track is expected to help resolve technical difficulties.
At a time when global supply chains are moving to ASEAN member countries, it has become more important for businesspeople to visit countries such as Vietnam, a major production hub. Korean businesses called for easing the process and documents required to enter Vietnam.
The KCCI has helped Korean businesspeople visit Vietnam in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after the Vietnamese government banned the entry of foreigners on March 22 last year to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Up to 4,453 Koreans from 2,091 companies have visited Vietnam and none have tested positive for the virus.