Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat held working sessions with the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), several major universities, hi-tech parks and startup centres, as part of his working trip to Germany from June 25-28.
At the meeting between Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat and Timon Gremmels, Minister of Science and Research, Arts and Culture of Hessen state. (Photo: VNA)
Berlin (VNA)ඣ – Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat held working sessions with the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), several major universities, hi-tech parks and startup centres, as part of his working trip to Germany from June 25-28.
A highlight of the trip was the third meeting of the Joint Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and BMBF held in Berlin on June 27. This biennial meeting aimed to update their respective policies on sci-tech development and innovation, review achievements since the previous meeting, and discuss future directions and plans for bilateral cooperation activities.
Both sides agreed to expand numerous bilateral cooperation programmes between government agencies, research institutes, universities and sci-tech organisations of both countries. In the lead up to the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Science and Technology Agreement in 2025, the two sides will collaborate in organising meaningful activities to mark these milestones.
The Vietnamese delegation also visited a hi-tech park and held working sessions with the Centre of Excellence for Startups and Technology Transfer of North Rhine-Westphalia state, and the President of the pioneering technology group WILO SE and toured a smart factory in Dortmund. They also worked with Humboldt University, one of Germany's oldest universities, and met with Vietnamese-origin scientists and intellectuals working in Germany.
Before heading back to Vietnam, Dat had a brief meeting with Timon Gremmels, Minister of Science and Research, Arts and Culture of Hessen state in Frankfurt to discuss cooperation proposals./.
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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.
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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.
