Viet Nam, EU spur cooperation in science-technology, innovation
VGP - Viet Nam and the EU are set to deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation through the signing of a Letter of Intent aimed at advancing bilateral commitments and fostering stronger connections between Viet Nam’s research community, businesses and innovation ecosystem and the EU’s major cooperation programs.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung (R) and European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva
The announcement came during a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung for European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva and an EU delegation in Ha Noi on May 26.
Dung praised the close coordination between the EU and Viet Nam's Ministry of Science and Technology in preparing for the signing of the Letter of Intent on science, technology and innovation cooperation.
He noted that the EU is currently one of Viet Nam's key partners, ranking as its fourth-largest trading partner and fifth-largest investor, while Viet Nam is the EU's largest trading partner in ASEAN. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, regular dialogue mechanisms, delegation exchanges and high-level visits have helped strengthen political trust and expand practical cooperation across multiple sectors.
Dung also highlighted Viet Nam's emergence as one of the region's most dynamic economies, supported by a young, skilled workforce and a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. He affirmed that Viet Nam highly values the EU's global leadership in science, technology and innovation, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green growth, circular economy, renewable energy and sustainable development.
For her part, Zaharieva underlined the strong potential for collaboration in research and innovation between the two sides. She said the EU remains a leading global center for research and development investment, with a range of large-scale programs supporting science, technology and innovation, and plans to further increase investment in the sector in the coming years.
She added that the upcoming Letter of Intent with Viet Nam's Ministry of Science and Technology would pave the way for greater participation by Vietnamese universities, research institutes and businesses in Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation program.
Zaharieva also expressed confidence that the growing presence of European enterprises in Viet Nam would help speed up advanced technology transfer, support infrastructure development and strengthen the country's innovation capabilities.
The European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva is visting Ha Noi to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and Viet Nam in science, technology and innovation on May 26-27.
During her visit, Commissioner Zaharieva will spotlight Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding programme, while promoting new opportunities for cooperation and investment between European and Vietnamese researchers, innovators, startups and businesses.
A major outcome of the visit is expected to be the signing of the Letter of Intent between the European Commission, representing the EU, and the Viet Nam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to enhancing cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
The Letter of Intent will provide a framework for strengthening research capacity, promoting exchanges under Horizon Europe and other research initiatives, supporting researcher mobility and institutional development, and advancing joint training and research activities.
The commissioner is also scheduled to hold discussions with senior Vietnamese officials on strategic priorities and the implementation of the enhanced EU-Vietnam partnership in science, technology and innovation.
Under the Team Europe approach, which brings together the EU and its member states, Zaharieva will engage with representatives from both European and Vietnamese businesses and startup ecosystems to discuss technological challenges, investment prospects and innovation-led growth.
The EU has reaffirmed its readiness to expand support for Vietnam’s green and digital transitions, while encouraging investment in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, 5G, space technology and cybersecurity.
