Promoting technology cooperation between Vietnam and Amazon in the new digital era
On the afternoon of 3 December, at the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long hosted a meeting with Amazon Vice President Susan Pointer and a high-level delegation. The two sides exchanged views on policies for the development of science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, as well as the potential for cooperation in the fields of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and the manufacturing of technology devices in Vietnam.
Completing the legal framework for the digital economy and artificial intelligence
At the meeting, Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long welcomed the Amazon delegation to visit and work with the Ministry of Science and Technology, while highly appreciating the role of major technology corporations in the process of digital economic development, innovation, and the refinement of the legal system related to data and artificial intelligence in Vietnam.
Concurrently, Vice President Susan Pointer praised Vietnam's "balance between innovation and safety" approach, adding that the Corporation has repeatedly participated in commenting on draft legal documents related to cross-border data, digital services, and AI.
Amazon expressed its desire to continue receiving the latest draft versions to provide more accurate feedback, consistent with the operational realities of the global enterprise.
Through the discussion, the two sides agreed on the need to expand the policy consultation mechanism between state management agencies and major technology companies to ensure feasibility, harmonize the benefits of digital economic development, and guarantee information security.
Promoting technology supply chains and trialing low-earth orbit satellite infrastructure
One of the central topics of the meeting was the plan to deploy the low-Earth orbit satellite network that Amazon is building to provide broadband Internet connectivity to underserved areas.
Vice President Susan Pointer stated that the Corporation has launched over 150 satellites into LEO and is continuing to expand toward providing services by 2026. This satellite network is expected to effectively support communications during natural disasters and in remote areas, simultaneously opening up new development space for education, healthcare, and essential digital services.
In addition, many other product lines, such as e-readers, home security devices, and routers, are also being manufactured in Vietnam for export to many markets.
According to Amazon, the Corporation has submitted an application for permission to trial satellite services in Vietnam and wishes to receive support to complete the procedures according to regulations. The company committed to providing full information regarding socio-economic efficiency and ensuring information system safety when requested by the management agency.
Besides manufacturing activities, Amazon expressed a desire to increase the domestic content within the electronic components supply chain, encouraging Vietnamese businesses to participate more deeply in the Corporation's global value chain.
The company also proposed expanding cooperation in high-quality human resource training in the fields of digital technology, data, and artificial intelligence, viewing this as a crucial factor for Vietnam's sustainable development in the digital era.
Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long highly appreciated Amazon's proposals, affirming that this orientation aligns with the strategy for high-tech industry development and the promotion of the "Make in Vietnam" technology business model.
The Ministry of Science and Technology will assign functional units to coordinate with Amazon to review the product list, clarify support needs, and consider the possibility of applying preferential policies in compliance with current regulations.
Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Minister affirmed that Vietnam welcomes major technology corporations to strengthen their presence and investment in Vietnam, based on compliance with the law, ensuring harmonious benefits and information security.
In addition, the Amazon representative also expressed hope that the two sides will soon implement the agreed-upon cooperation contents./.
Translated by Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology (VJST - MOST).