Vietnam, Laos seek to boost digital economy via innovation cooperation
A workshop on promoting technology and innovation cooperation between Vietnam and Laos to serve the development of digital economy in the two countries took place in Hanoi on December 11.
Hanoi (VNA) - A workshop on promoting technology and innovation cooperation between Vietnam and Laos to serve the development of digital economy in the two countries took place in Hanoi on ⭕December 11.
Co-chaired by Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara, the conference is a premise for Vietnam and Laos to implement cooperation plans in order to turn science, technology and innovation collaboration into a bright spot in the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. In his speech, Minister Dat highlighted the development of multi-faceted cooperation and the close bilateral relations between Vietnam and Laos, saying that those have contributed to maintaining political stability, ensuring national defence, and security and socio-economic development in each country.
Both nations determine that promoting digital economic development is one of the important factors to improve productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness of their economies, he stressed.
The two sides will prioritise more investment resources for cooperation in researching, applying, developing, and innovating technology in the coming time, he said, suggesting units of the two countries quickly develop cooperation tasks in accordance with the protocol on cooperation in technology application and transfer, and innovation.
For his part, Minister Vongdara emphasised that the two ministries will continue to promote cooperation in terms of science, technology and innovation, and effectively implement signed agreements in the future.
Participants proposed cooperation plans and joint research projects between the two sides.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy affirmed that Vietnam is willing to share experiences and help Laos in developing its draft law on innovation, and the strategy for developing science, technology and innovation.
On the occasion, the Department of Application and Development of Technology of Vietnam and the Lao Technolo🌄gy Promotion and Transfer Centre exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the time to come./.
Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Nguyen Dinh Khang on December1 received delegations from the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) and the Central Union of Cuban Workers (CTC), who are in Hanoi to attend the 13th National Congress of the VGCL.
Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh met with Chairwoman of the Lao NA’s Committee for Cultural and Social Affairs Thoummaly Vongphachanh in Vientiane on December 4, discussing bilateral cooperation within their realm.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on archival cooperation for 2024 was signed at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 6 by Director of the State Archives and Records Department, Dang Thanh Tung, and Director of the National Archives Department under the Lao Ministry of Home Affairs Thongchanh Keosenhom.
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on December 7 visited Star Telecom (Unitel), a joint venture between Viettel Global and Lao Asia Telecom, as the last activity in his trip to the country for the first Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Parliamentary Summit.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has asked stakeholders to speed up progress, complete procedures for importing electricity and coal, and build new transmission lines from Laos to Vietnam.
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.
Illustrative image (Photo: Internet) 
