Hanoi (VNA)🌠 - A delegation from the Ministry of Science and Technology paid a working visit to Europe from March 24-28, during which they held several meetings to promote the semiconductor industry and the safe, sustainable use of atomic energy.

Vietnam, Austria enhance collaboration in developing semiconductor technology

On March 26, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry’s Authority of Information Technology Industry and the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) with Austria’s EV Group, one of the world’s leading enterprises in providing equipment for semiconductor manufacturing. This event marked a significant step forward in promoting the development of Vietnam's semiconductor industry, while also expanding international cooperation in the high-tech sector which is increasingly essential to the global digital economy. The MoU focuses on three main pillars: research and development (R&D), training and capacity building, and cooperation in production and testing. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Phuong expressed his delight at the increasingly broad cooperation between Vietnam and Austria, and praised the close and effective relationship between the professional units of the two sides. He emphasised this partnership will not only contribute to improving the capacity of Vietnam's semiconductor industry, but also bring practical value in training, research and development, in line with the long-term vision and sustainable development orientation of the country. Hermann Waltl, Executive Sales & Customer Support Director at the EV Group, expressed his belief that they together will create a future where advanced semiconductor technologies play an important role in shaping industries globally. The signing of this MoU marked an important step forward in promoting international cooperation, in support of Vietnam's Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy.

Promoting Vietnam-IAEA cooperation in developing safe, sustainable atomic energy

Earlier on March 25, the two officials visited and worked with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria. Phuong expressed his sincere gratitude to the IAEA for the practical support for Vietnam in recent years, particularly in the areas of training, enhancing professional capacity, and connecting Vietnam to international initiatives in atomic energy. He also informed the IAEA about two key initiatives currently being implemented in Vietnam: the draft Law on Atomic Energy (revised) and the plan to restart the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project. Regarding the restart of the Nuclear Nuclear Power Project, the Deputy Minister requested the IAEA to share international experience in areas such as overall planning, developing implementation roadmaps, building a highly skilled workforce, and selecting strategic technology partners. Meanwhile, Huy expressed his desire to continue receiving support from the IAEA in several key areas. These include establishing an independent regulatory authority, developing an international standard licensing process, enhancing security and safety, establishing inspection mechanisms, and regulating damage compensation responsibilities. A representative from the IAEA praised Vietnam's goodwill and determination in restoring nuclear programmes for peaceful purposes, committing to support the country in both professional and technical aspects. The IAEA will allocate resources to provide feedback on the draft Law on Atomic Energy (amended) and work closely with Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology to prepare detailed content for the official meetings scheduled for April. In the area of training, the representative said the agency is ready to send experts to support Vietnam as well as receive Vietnamese officials for study and research at the IAEA./.