Vietnam, Laos work together in building startup, innovation ecosystem
A forum that aims to connect technology researchers, developers, and science and technology management agencies of Vietnam, with Laos’ government agencies and businesses opened in Vientiane on April 4.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung speaks at the forum. (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – A forum that aims to connecttechnology researchers, developers, and science and technology managementagencies of Vietnam, with Laos’ government agencies and businesses openedin Vientiane on April 4.
The Tech-Innovation Vietnam-Laos 2023 forum was jointly heldby the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and the LaoMinistry of Technology and Communications.
It is intended to promote the commercialisation,application and investment in technologies in key areas in Laos such as farm produceprocessing and preservation, renewable energy, environmental treatment, IT anddigital transformation, MoST Deputy Minister Tran Van Tung said in his openingremarks.
The forum will also help to tighten the links betweenthe two ministries, while contributing to enhancing exchanges and coordination betweenresearchers of the two countries, as well as cooperation between theirenterprises, he continued.
For his part, Lao Minister Boviengkham Vongdara notedhis hope that the forum will offer an opportunity for the two sides to cooperatein research and investment in science-technology and innovation, making science-technologya driving force and a firm pillar for national socio-economic development.
The two-day forum features 64 pavilions introducingresearch outcomes and promising technologies, notably those by representativesfrom the Vietnamese startup and innovation ecosystem in the fields ofagriculture, construction and community development, beauty services, and marketing.
Within the framework of the forum, there are alsoin-depth seminars on tech connectivity, startup and innovation, and on developmentorientations for the startup and innovation ecosystem in Laos, along with exchangesand meetings between partners of the two countries.
Following the opening ceremony, the participants witnessedthe signing of agreements on technological transfer between research institutes,universities and businesses of Vietnam and their Lao partners./.
The Vietnamese and Lao defence ministries held the third deputy ministerial-level defence policy dialogue in the Lao northern province of Houaphane on March 23.
A delegation of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) led by its President Ha Thi Nga paid a courtesy visit to Lao Vice President Pany Yathotou in Vientiane on April 4.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 4 afternoon left Hanoi for Laos to attend the fourth Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit slated for the next day.
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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.
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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.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung speaks at the forum. (Photo: VNA) 
