Promoting cooperation in science, technology, and education between Vietnam and Laos in the new period
On 16 December 2025, in Hanoi, Minister of Science and Technology (MST) Nguyen Manh Hung hosted a working session with the Lao Minister of Education and Sports Thongsalith Mangnormek and a high-level delegation visiting Vietnam. The session focused on discussing cooperation orientations in science, technology, innovation, education, and human resource training, aligned with the development requirements of each nation in the context of digital transformation and the knowledge economy.
Science, technology, and innovation as core development drivers
Speaking at the session, MST Minister Nguyen Manh Hung extended a warm welcome to Minister Thongsalith Mangnormek and the Lao delegation, affirming that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos serve as a sustainable foundation for both countries to expand collaboration across various fields, in which science, technology, and education play particularly vital roles.
According to Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, as the world enters a phase of development based on knowledge, science and technology are no longer merely supporting sectors but have become direct drivers of economic growth, labor productivity, and national competitiveness. Digital transformation, innovation, and the application of science and technology are fundamentally changing management methods, production, and social life in every nation.
The Minister emphasized that Vietnam has progressively innovated its science and technology development mindset, placing efficiency and social impact at the center. Scientific research must stem from practical needs and specific development problems of the country, localities, and enterprises; simultaneously, it must aim to create products and solutions capable of application, commercialization, and direct contribution to socio-economic development.
Sharing with the Lao delegation, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung stated that Vietnam's MST is ready to exchange experiences in building science and technology institutions and policies; organizing and managing national-level scientific research programs; implementing mechanisms for commissioning scientific tasks linked to development requirements; as well as models for promoting innovation and connecting research institutes and universities with businesses and the market.
Expanding Vietnam-Laos cooperation in education, training, and scientific research
Lao Minister of Education and Sports Thongsalith Mangnormek expressed gratitude for the respectful reception by Vietnam's MST and highly appreciated the results Vietnam has achieved in developing science, technology, and innovation. Minister Thongsalith Mangnormek noted that currently, the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports concurrently manages education, scientific research, and technological development; therefore, the need to learn from Vietnam's experience is very practical.
According to Minister Thongsalith Mangnormek, Laos is particularly interested in building a contingent of qualified scientific researchers, lecturers, and technology experts, as well as organizing scientific research activities in a focused and effective manner, avoiding fragmentation. The Lao side expressed a desire for Vietnam to share experiences in science and technology human resource training, building long-term scientific research strategies, and creating mechanisms to encourage scientists to participate in solving the country's practical problems.
The two sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in training and fostering science and technology personnel; promoting the implementation of joint scientific research programs; and expanding academic exchanges, sharing research data, and the joint use of facilities and laboratories for research. Additionally, the two Ministries discussed the possibility of coordinating in ASEAN regional science and technology programs and multilateral cooperation initiatives.
Concluding the session, leaders of the two Ministries affirmed their determination to concretize cooperation through practical programs, plans, and projects suited to the conditions and needs of each country. Strengthening cooperation in science, technology, education, and training not only contributes to enhancing the endogenous capacity of each nation but also further deepens the special Vietnam-Laos cooperation in the new stage of development./.
Copyright belongs to the Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology (VJST-MOST).