Vietnam, Finland step up science-technology-innovation cooperation
Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in science, technology, and innovation in Hanoi on October 16.
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Finland’sMinistry of Economic Affairs and Employment signed a memorandum ofunderstanding (MoU) on cooperation in science, technology, and innovation inHanoi on October 16.
The signingceremony took place as part of an ongoing visit to Vietnam by Finnish Ministerof Economic Affairs Mika Lintila and a business delegation.
Speaking atthe event, Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh said that joint workin these areas is key to turning the cooperation potential and opportunitiesbetween the two countries into reality, especially as the EU-Vietnam Free TradeAgreement will soon be signed and take effect, bringing practical benefits toVietnamese and Finnish businesses and enterprises.
TheEuropean Union, of which Finland is a member, is the biggest non-refundable aidprovider of Vietnam in recent years, he said, noting that the Vietnam-FinlandInnovation Partnership Programme (IPP) has helped Vietnam boost its innovationcapacity, build a healthy startup ecosystem, grow its economy, and improve itsranking on the global innovation and competitiveness index.
Theminister highlighted that the freshly signed MoU is an outcome of bilateralefforts to open a new cooperation chapter and capitalise on the two countries’strengths to benefit their science-technology bodies, research institutes,universities, enterprises, and people.
The dealoffers a chance for both sides to take part in technology transfer projects,join research programmes, and boost the commercialisation of their researchoutcomes based on win-win principles.
FinnishMinister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintila said the IPP has successfullycompleted its first and second phases, expressing his belief in the programme’spositive impact on business growth.
Finland hopesfor stronger cooperation programmes with Vietnam in tackling global issues likeclimate change and resource depletion, he said, considering the signing of theMoU as specific evidence and commitment for the two countries to join handstogether in global issues.
He said thepact will create favourable conditions for the development of innovation andcooperation between Vietnamese and Finnish enterprises.
Earlier,Minister Anh had a working session with the Finnish Ministry of EconomicAffairs and Employment delegation to discuss bilateral collaboration. –VNA
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh voiced his hope that Vietnam and Finland will take advantage of their strengths and potential to foster effective bilateral cooperation.
The IPP Grand Harvest Day took place in Hanoi on July 6, concluding the four-year implementation of the Vietnam-Finland Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP) Phase 2.
A seminar co-hosted by Vietnam and Finland in the framework of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) High-level Political Forum has spotlighted the importance of access to safe water and smooth water supply especially in urban areas.
Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung on October 15 hosted a reception for Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintila and a business delegation.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
The week features a rich lineup of activities, including a plenary conference on blockchain and AI development, thematic seminars on future technology trends and investment visions, applications of blockchain and AI in business, the Super Vietnam PitchFest, as well as forums for blockchain and AI.
According to the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, on making breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, this is considered a decisive factor in the development of nations. It is seen as a prerequisite and the best opportunity for Vietnam to become prosperous and powerful in the new era of the nation’s rise.
Vietnam’s demographic advantage, including a youthful population of 100 million in a “golden age”, further bolsters its ambitions. Its dynamic workforce, with a natural inclination toward science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), is a key asset in attracting private investment to innovation-driven sectors.
Vietnam views sci-tech as a decisive factor in national development and a key tool for achieving sustainable development goals, and is ready to boost sci-tech cooperation with Venezuela for mutual prosperity.
Scene at the signing ceremony (Photo: VNA) 
