Hong Kong (VNA)🔯 – As Vietnam and Hong Kong (China) continue to undergo robust development transformations, particularly in science, technology, and human resource training, new opportunities are emerging to further advance high-quality bilateral cooperation, a professor has said.

Speaking with a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Hong Kong, Professor Wong Kam-fai of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, praised Vietnam’s recent progress in science and technology. He highlighted Vietnam’s growing investment in innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, environmental protection, and smart cities, which paves the way for deeper partnerships with Hong Kong. Professor Wong emphasised that one of the strategic goals in developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub is to expand global cooperation. Leveraging the capabilities and talent pools of partner countries, including Vietnam, is key to this objective. Thus, in recent years, Hong Kong has paid special attention to recruiting and training high-tech talent from Vietnam, he said. More and more outstanding Vietnamese students are coming to Hong Kong for education and research opportunities. Many remain after graduation, acting as bridges between Vietnam and China and Hong Kong specifically. Even those who return home after completing their studies play an important role in encouraging Vietnamese talent, businesses, and investors to explore cooperation and investment opportunities in Hong Kong. Vietnamese enterprises are increasingly drawn to Hong Kong’s dynamic business environment, especially as Asia is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing economic region over the next five to ten years. Wong noted that the Vietnamese Government has shown strong commitment to developing science and technology. Vietnam’s global innovation rankings have steadily improved in recent years, reflecting significant investment in research, development, and innovation. In the face of aging populations and declining birth rates across the globe, science and technology are indispensable, Wong said, adding that Vietnam is fully aware of this trend and is making the necessary investments. With five universities ranked among the world’s top 100 and a growing network of research institutes, Hong Kong has emerged as a hub for scientific talent and innovation. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has committed to turning Hong Kong into an international centre for technology and innovation, translating high-level R&D results into real-world applications. Over the past two years, the Hong Kong government has invested 200 billion HKD (25.6 billion USD) into science and technology development. Its five-year action plan includes fostering collaboration between sectors, academia, and research institutes. Professor Wong also emphasised that as Vietnam has always has good relations with countries and territories, many countries have sought cooperation with Vietnam in production and business. However, in the current context, Vietnam should also pay attention to promoting the development of science and technology at a high level. It must shift from being primarily a user of technology to becoming a creator, with its own innovations and scientific breakthroughs. Vietnam should also further promote its image to the world, Wong said, noting that many around the world still perceive Vietnam as a labour-intensive, low-tech economy, unaware that it is now emerging as a creative and tech-driven nation. To attract more international partners and investors, it’s important for Vietnam to strengthen its global outreach, he concluded./.