Vietnam's Top Leader Visits French Atomic Commission, Thales R&D Hub

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam visited France, inspecting the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and the research and development hub of aerospace and defense company Thales. This visit underscores Vietnam's intention to further deepen cooperation with France in the scientific and technological fields. General Secretary Lam specifically called for enhanced cooperation to increase the localization rate of core technologies in Vietnam's next-generation Earth observation satellite program. He also proposed strengthening collaboration in doctoral and supervised master's training courses to cultivate Vietnamese scientists capable of mastering quantum technologies, thereby fostering future scientific and technological talent. This visit took place in the context of further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and France. The two countries are deepening cooperation in various fields, including economy, science and technology, and culture. In particular, the transfer of advanced technologies and joint research in science and technology are crucial elements for Vietnam's industrial upgrading and enhancement of international competitiveness. France, with its long-standing experience in the nuclear sector and a group of advanced technology companies like Thales, can be an important partner for Vietnam. Under its one-party system, Vietnam has achieved economic growth while prioritizing industrial transformation through technological innovation. Enhancing technological independence is a key national strategy, especially considering geopolitical relations with China. In this context, scientific and technological cooperation with France, an advanced European nation, is significant for both bridging Vietnam's technological gap and diversifying supply chains.