Vietnam, Laos continue promoting cooperation in technology, innovation
President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) Chau Van Minh and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara on August 5 co-chaired the third bilateral meeting between the two agencies to discuss ways to promote their cooperation in the coming time.
President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) Chau Van Minh (L) and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara exchanges the minutes of cooperation. (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) –♛ President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) Chau Van Minh and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara on August 5 co-chaired the third bilateral meeting between the two agencies to discuss ways to promote their cooperation in the coming time.
At the meeting, the two sides updated each other on the implementation of cooperation contents regrading draft proposals on the project on building a data and communication centre on natural disasters (earthquake) for Laos and another on building a national centre for data storage and computing cloud in Laos that the two Governments mentioned in the minutes of the 46th Session of the Vietnam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation in 2024.
The Institute of Geophysics under VAST, the unit in charge of the national centre for earthquake and tsunami warning, and the Research Institute for Smart Technology (ARIST) under the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications (MTC) have coordinated to build a joint laboratory for earthquake data and communication at MTC. In addition to supporting basic equipment, VAST has provided training on basic data analysis for 15 ARIST officers.
At the meeting, VAST President Chau Van Minh and Minister Boviengkham Vongdara signed the minutes of the meeting and witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Institute of Information Technology under VAST and ARIST.
VAST and MTC also agreed to continue cooperation in human resources development, enhance professional capacity in the field of technology and innovation; and share experience in digital technology development.
On the same day, the Academy of Science and Technology under VAST conferred the title of “Honorary Professor” on Minister Boviengkham Vongdara, who is also President of the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Association, for his great contributions to promoting scientific and technological cooperation activities between VAST and the Lao ministry./.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has instructed ministries and provincial authorities to resolve administrative problems concerning citizen registration, ensuring that the process is streamlined by switching to a digital system.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) of Laos, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has launched an enhanced Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) Issuing System, local media reported.
The Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT) under the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications and the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) under the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication of Cambodia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on human resources development in the digital technology industry.
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.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
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.
Vietnam’s demographic advantage, including a youthful population of 100 million in a “golden age”, further bolsters its ambitions. Its dynamic workforce, with a natural inclination toward science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), is a key asset in attracting private investment to innovation-driven sectors.
Vietnam views sci-tech as a decisive factor in national development and a key tool for achieving sustainable development goals, and is ready to boost sci-tech cooperation with Venezuela for mutual prosperity.
The Government will always accompany companies, including CMC, and request ministries, agencies, and Hanoi authorities to further support them by promptly removing any obstacles to their growth, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
