Vietnam Bolsters S&T Cooperation with European, Asian Nations

Vietnam is actively promoting international cooperation in education, science, and technology, strengthening ties with multiple countries across Europe and Asia. This is evident through diplomatic engagements by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam, as well as international initiatives by various ministries and research institutions. In its relations with the Czech Republic, Hanoi and Prague are exploring new areas of cooperation in education, science, and technology. The elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in January 2025 is expected to provide a new framework and impetus for their collaboration. Cooperation between the science academies of both countries is also maintained through international audit organizations. Regarding France, General Secretary and President To Lam's visit to the country is anticipated to inject fresh momentum into Vietnam-France relations at a pivotal time for Vietnam's economic restructuring. Specifically, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and AFK Sistema have agreed to promote cooperation in priority strategic technology areas such as green hydrogen, small satellites, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. Thales Group noted that the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects a shared desire to deepen cooperation, with technological autonomy, resilience, and human resource development playing increasingly important roles. With Israel, cooperation in cybersecurity is advancing, with the Vietnamese Ambassador holding discussions with Israeli cyber emergency response teams and related agencies. Cooperation with Russia is exploring opportunities in digital farming, where Russia's advances can open new avenues for collaboration with Vietnam. Vietnam and Russia possess favorable conditions to build a more substantive, selective, and strategically focused new phase of science and technology cooperation, built on decades of collaboration, mutual trust, and complementary strengths. In its relations with Japan, Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau suggested that Vietnam and Japan should promote cooperation in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation through concrete projects, including joint research, research and development (R&D), and the development of Vietnam's innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, Vietnam is seeking to expand joint research programs in strategic areas such as AI, semiconductor integrated circuits, batteries, energy storage, and biotechnology, with collaboration with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) being proposed. Korean companies like SK Group are contributing their capabilities in finance, technology, and management, aligning with Vietnam's shift towards selective investment attraction in its new growth phase. Domestically, digital transformation in the legal profession in Ho Chi Minh City requires not just technology adoption but the creation of working methods that ensure technology serves people while lawyers retain control and responsibility for service quality. This is particularly crucial in a metropolis with a large-scale economy and diverse legal needs. Vietnam's internet speed has also improved, with Ookla's Speedtest Global Index showing a jump to 10th globally in mobile internet rankings for July 2026. Digital transformation is creating more opportunities for businesses, households, and small traders to access information, adopt new payment methods, connect with partners, and expand their markets. Regarding intellectual property protection, the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to work with other ministries, sectors, and localities to strengthen efforts in preventing and dealing with infringements on a regular, continuous, and sustained basis. The government should shift from providing funding to creating enabling conditions by developing infrastructure, platforms, standards, and markets, while coordinating the innovation ecosystem. Innovation and technology diffusion should also go hand in hand, particularly by bringing AI, digital, and green technologies to small- and medium-sized enterprises as well as traditional sectors. Source: VietnamPlus English