Vietnam and Australia promote cooperation in digital technology and innovation

On the afternoon of 9 March 2026, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), Permanent Deputy Minister Vu Hai Quan received and held talks with Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird and a delegation from the Australian Embassy.

One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the promotion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on digital economy development between Vietnam and Australia.

The draft document, which has been shared by the Australian side, is currently being reviewed by relevant Vietnamese agencies for comments before the next steps in the negotiation process. The document is expected to establish a framework for cooperation in areas such as digital economy development, digital transformation, and the promotion of emerging technology sectors.

Artificial intelligence (AI) was also a major topic of discussion. As Australia is developing a whole-of-government strategy on international cooperation and regional leadership in AI, the Vietnamese side proposed strengthening joint research programs between research institutes, universities, and technology enterprises from both countries.

Potential areas of collaboration include the development of AI applications in healthcare, education, smart agriculture, natural resource management, and climate change response.

From the perspective of developing the technology ecosystem, Vietnam also proposed the development of guidelines for building a trustworthy AI ecosystem, ensuring a balance between technological innovation, data sovereignty, and ethical principles in AI deployment.

In addition, the two sides discussed cooperation in AI human resource development through expert exchanges, postgraduate training programs, and capacity-building activities for researchers and technology management personnel.

Regarding innovation cooperation, both sides expressed particular interest in the Aus4Innovation Program. During the meeting, the Australian side proposed that the Ministry of Science and Technology appoint a representative to participate in the Program’s Steering Committee to jointly coordinate cooperation activities in the next phase.

Alongside project funding activities, the Program is also working to develop tools for measuring the policy impact on the innovation ecosystem, thereby enhancing governance effectiveness and promoting stronger linkages between research organizations and enterprises.

The Vietnamese side also emphasized the role of the Vietnam - Australia Strategic Technologies Centre (AVST), inaugurated in June 2025, in promoting joint research on emerging technologies.

Leaders of the Ministry of Science and Technology expressed their hope that both sides will soon implement specific research programs through the Centre, focusing on strategic technology fields such as next-generation telecommunications, particularly 5G and 6G.

In the area of digital infrastructure, the Australian side also raised the possibility of supporting Vietnam in implementing its Strategy for the Development of Submarine Fiber-Optic Cable Systems to 2030.

Such support could include sharing experience in contractor selection, providing data for cable routing, as well as technical solutions to minimize risks that may affect the operation of submarine cable systems.

In addition, Australia expressed its hope to receive support from the Ministry of Science and Technology in implementing the Australia - Vietnam Innovation and Technology Cooperation Initiative, aimed at supporting Vietnamese researchers in carrying out projects related to technology, the sustainable blue economy, and waste management and reuse.

Speaking at the meeting, Permanent Deputy Minister Vu Hai Quan highly appreciated Australia’s cooperation and support over the past period, and affirmed that the Ministry of Science and Technology stands ready to work closely with Australian partners to further deepen cooperation programs, contributing to stronger connections between the science, technology, and innovation ecosystems of the two countries./.

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