Vietnam Boosts National Development Through Science-Technology Diplomacy

Vietnam is actively promoting science-technology diplomacy to enhance its national development capacity. This initiative focuses on identifying international cooperation needs and maximizing opportunities in the fields of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Recent discussions at the 33rd Diplomatic Conference highlighted this theme. Participants exchanged views on how Vietnam should collaborate with the international community and build cooperative relationships in these advanced sectors. Measures to strengthen the role of Vietnam's diplomatic sector and its overseas representative missions in this science-technology diplomacy were specifically considered. Under Vietnam's one-party system led by the Communist Party, national modernization and economic growth are top priorities, with scientific and technological progress deemed essential for their realization. In particular, concerning relations with China, while economic dependence is high, Vietnam is also exploring collaborations with Western countries and Japan for technological innovation and supply chain diversification. Science-technology diplomacy is viewed as a crucial diplomatic strategy to maximize Vietnam's national interests amidst these complex international relations. This strategy aims not only for technology adoption but also for building an innovation ecosystem and accelerating the transition to a digital economy through international partnerships. This will enable Vietnam to elevate its position in global value chains and achieve sustainable economic growth.