To Lam calls for stronger science and technology cooperation in Francophone community

The top Vietnamese leader made the call while addressing the Franco Tech held on the sidelines of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 15.

The event brought together Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, leaders of various countries, the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), as well as businesses, scientific and technological institutions from Francophone nations.

Addressing the event, To Lam shared that the world is witnessing profound transformations in the global economy under the powerful impact of science, technology, and innovation. Big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies are fundamentally changing socio-economic life and governance methods. 

These shifts raise the imperative of how to turn scientific and technological advancements into development opportunities for nations and businesses, and bring tangible benefits to the people.

To Lam noted that since shaping the Francophone economic space at the 7th Summit in Ha Noi, Viet Nam in 1997, economic cooperation within the Francophone community has achieved significant progress.

He, however, noted that the potential for cooperation has yet to be fully tapped due to various reasons. The development of science, technology, and the digital economy is opening up unprecedented opportunities for the Francophone community to bridge geographical distances, strengthen connectivity, and expand markets. Businesses from across continents now have more favorable conditions to participate in cross-border value chains and access partners, knowledge, capital, and technology.

This is a good time for the Francophone community to make cooperation in science, technology, and the digital economy a driving force for development in the Francophone space, To Lam emphasized .

From that perspective, the Vietnamese leader called for clearly defining priorities and taking concrete actions to boost cooperation in science, technology, and the digital economy. 

He suggested the Francophone community study the organization of a Francophone Ministerial Conference on the Digital Economy to enhance policy coordination, thereby identifying digital economy cooperation policies and creating a legal framework for businesses to engage in trade and investment cooperation in the digital environment.

He also urged the Francophone community to strengthen innovation cooperation connectivity through promoting knowledge sharing, research cooperation, technology transfer, and the commercialization of research results within the Francophone economic space, bringing scientific and technological achievements into practical production, business, and daily life. 

The Vietnamese leader welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on promoting digital transformation in higher education among Viettel Cambodia (Metfone), the Francophone University Agency (AUF), and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia, viewing it as a concrete and practical implementation of this cooperation model.

To Lam called for developing human resources to meet the demands of the digital era, with special attention to youth and women, linking training to the practical needs of businesses, thus enhancing workers' adaptability and ability to participate in the digital economy. 

Furthermore, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation in the responsible, inclusive, and human-centric application of AI, contributing to building a dynamic, safe, and trustworthy Francophone AI ecosystem, narrowing the digital gap, and injecting new momentum for sustainable development.

For Viet Nam, To Lam stated that by identifying science and technology as the driving force for a new stage of development, Viet Nam upholds the pioneering role of businesses, the key role of scientists, and the constructive role of the State.

He affirmed that Viet Nam stands ready to cooperate with Francophone countries and partners in high-potential fields such as AI, digital technology, semiconductors, and green transition. He also affirmed that Viet Nam welcomes investment projects that apply advanced technologies, promote research and development (R&D), and train human resources.

Vietnamese enterprises are ready to tap into trade and digital investment cooperation opportunities with Francophone markets. Vietnam is prepared to coordinate with Francophone members to implement concrete activities to promote science, technology, and innovation connectivity in the Francophone space.

On the occasion, General Secretary and President To Lam, alongside the Cambodian Prime Minister, the French President, the Bulgarian President, the Romanian President, the Canadian Prime Minister, and other Francophone leaders, toured the exhibition booths where they were introduced on digital technology solutions, AI applications, and research cooperation models being implemented within the Francophone community./.