Kotra Hanoi General Director Young Woong Kim said the establishment of the centre, which will begin operation in May, is a response to demands from the community of RoK investors.

The RoK's investment in Vietnam has steadily increased over recent years, reaching US$2.8 billion in 2006, accounting for 34.2 percent of the total foreign investment in Vietnam, the general director said.

The business environment in Vietnam is appropriate and convenient for businesses from the RoK, Mr Kim said, citing this as  major factor behind the above-mentioned marked growth.

In addition, similarities in culture between the two countries have facilitated business by RoK traders and investors, many of whom have recently shifted their investment from China to Vietnam, he added.