Vietnam - EU: Expanding cooperation in the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation
According to Minister of Science and Technology (MST) Nguyen Manh Hung, Vietnam is focusing on developing emerging technologies and strategic technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), new energy, cybersecurity, biotechnology, quantum technology... These are fields where European enterprises have strengths and Vietnam is very keen to enhance cooperation at a deep level, not only in manufacturing investment but also in joint research and development, and innovation.
On the afternoon of 25 November in Hanoi, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung received and worked with the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham).
Encouraging European enterprises to invest in research, technological innovation and technology transfer
Speaking at the working session, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung expressed his joy to welcome the High-level Business Delegation of EU-ABC and EuroCham to visit and work.
In Vietnam, EuroCham with a network of nearly 1,400 enterprises is an important bridge promoting Vietnam - EU economic relations, especially within the framework of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
The year 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam - EU diplomatic relations. This is an appropriate time for both sides to open a deeper, more substantive stage of cooperation, especially in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Vietnam has identified science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as three central drivers of development. These three drivers are expected to contribute at least 50% of GDP growth in the coming decades.
The Government has established a Central Steering Committee headed by General Secretary To Lam to promote breakthroughs in these three fields, demonstrating Vietnam's strongest political determination.
The state budget for science and technology, innovation and digital transformation is increasing strongly, from 1% to 3% annually and will continue to increase; at the same time, the state aims to co-fund research with enterprises, whereby "for every 1 VND the state spends, enterprises and society spend 3-4 VND" to achieve an R&D investment rate of 2% of GDP and aiming towards 5% of GDP like advanced countries.
MST is also presiding over the drafting and amendment of many important laws such as the Law on Digital Transformation, the Law on Technology Transfer (amended), the Law on High Technology (amended), and the Law on AI, aimed at creating a legal foundation to promote technology transfer, development of new technologies and the digital economy.
Besides, preferential policies for R&D and innovation centers, including foreign-invested organizations, have been perfected in the fields of investment, tax, land, bidding... to encourage enterprises to invest in research, technological innovation and technology transfer, in which European enterprises will play a very important role.
“In the coming period, Vietnam focuses on developing emerging technologies and strategic technologies such as semiconductors, AI, new energy, cybersecurity, biotechnology, quantum technology... These are fields where European enterprises have strengths and Vietnam is very keen to enhance cooperation at a deep level - not only in manufacturing investment but also in joint research and development, and innovation”, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized.
Strengthening cooperation on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation between the two sides
Speaking at the reception, EU-ABC Executive Director Chris Humphrey expressed his honor for MST taking the time to meet and exchange to enhance cooperation on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation between the two sides.
At the same time, he also expressed deep sharing and sympathy for the serious damage that Vietnam is suffering due to recent storms, floods and natural disasters, hoping the Vietnamese people will soon overcome difficulties and stabilize their lives.
With the large presence of more than 120 delegates from over 40 leading important EU enterprises, Mr. Chris Humphrey affirmed that this shows the very great interest of the European business community in the Vietnamese market.
Vietnam - EU relations in recent times have seen very dynamic, substantive and comprehensive development steps in many fields. The EU continues to be one of Vietnam's leading important trade - investment partners, while Vietnam is the EU's 16th largest trading partner and the largest in ASEAN.
The implementation of the EVFTA has helped two-way trade maintain a positive growth momentum, averaging 10-15%/year. EU-ABC also acknowledged the efforts of the Vietnamese Government and the role of MST in implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo on developing national science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
The EU-ABC Executive Director hopes that, through the meeting and exchange, European enterprises will better understand Vietnam's priorities; identifying areas where both sides can cooperate to promote science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
At the meeting, representatives of European enterprises raised many valid opinions, showing deep interest in the business investment environment in Vietnam regarding the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation; standards, metrology, quality; Intellectual property; posts; aerospace technology...
At the working session, EuroCham Vietnam representative, Ms. Hoang Tri Mai, Board Member of EuroCham Vietnam, Managing Director of Airbus Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, expressed appreciation for the strong cooperative relationship between the Vietnamese Government and EuroCham over the past 25 years. EuroCham affirmed it would continue to accompany MST in efforts to promote national science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
EuroCham emphasized its readiness to support the Vietnamese Government through initiatives promoting innovation, including connecting Vietnam with leading European research institutes, promoting training models and pursuing a Digital Partnership Agreement with the EU to develop high-quality human resources for the semiconductor industry. This organization also recommended that Vietnam continue to perfect the legal system protecting digital assets, creating a transparent and friendly environment for investors and innovation enterprises.
Regarding cybersecurity, EuroCham proposed that Vietnam harmonize data regulations with EU-GDPR standards through recognizing international certificates, limiting requirements for Data Protection Officers (DPO) for high-risk sectors, while applying a voluntary trust rating model. Specific guidelines on data access, cross-border reporting and information disclosure regarding AI.
EuroCham suggested that Vietnam apply a data classification system allowing the processing of non-sensitive data abroad, while only confidential data must be stored domestically. An independent coordinating focal point should be established to resolve implementation obstacles, while updating the EVFTA to ensure compatibility with new reforms.
Regarding intellectual property, EuroCham proposed simplifying the registration process, accepting flexible forms of proof such as contracts or electronic dossiers and standardizing expert consultation methods. For well-known trademarks, Vietnam needs clear guidelines and a better coordination mechanism between agencies to ensure consistency in recognition. In the field of criminal handling of intellectual property rights infringement cases, this organization believes that specific criteria need to be set to enhance transparency and strengthen investor confidence.
Concluding the working session, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung acknowledged the contributions of European enterprises. This shows great interest, thorough preparation and a desire for deeper cooperation with Vietnam in the field of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation. MST always views enterprises as the subjects promoting a nation's innovation and hopes European enterprises will promote their role as active agents contributing to this process.
Affirming that MST always accompanies, listens and acts together with enterprises, "Please consider Vietnam your home, consider MST a common home. When encountering difficulties or obstacles during operations in Vietnam, please do not hesitate to come to us," Minister Nguyen Manh Hung shared.
Besides, the Minister hopes European enterprises will not only look at immediate benefits but align their investment and business strategies with the mission of building a prosperous Vietnam, a more affluent society. Because when Vietnam prospers, enterprises operating in Vietnam will also have conditions for more sustainable development.
The Minister expects that after today's working session, new cooperation opportunities will open up, and both sides will enter a stage of deeper and more substantive cooperation./.
Translated by Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology (VJST - MOST).
