Vietnam, Laos step up cooperation in technology, innovation
The first session of the Vietnam-Laos Committee for Cooperation in Technology and Innovation took place in Vientiane, Laos, on May 28.
Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat (L) and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara exchange the minutes of the first session of the Vietnam-Laos Committee for Cooperation in Technology and Innovation in Vientiane, Laos, on May 28. (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – The first session of the Vietnam-Laos Committee for Cooperation in Technology and Innovation took place in Vientiane, Laos, on May 28.
At the meeting, Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara agreed to expand bilateral technological and innovative cooperation. They discussed diversifying forms of joint work to meet the sustainable development strategies of each country and the new international context, in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and current global development trends.
The two sides agreed to systematically consult on the organisation and management of technology and innovation to effectively utilise the potential of both countries in this field.
Regarding the collaboration direction for 2024-2026, they agreed to continue sharing experience in state management and policy planning, while supporting the building of institutional and legal frameworks related to high technology, high-tech zones, technology services, innovation management, startups, and technology transfer. It was also concurred that leaders from both ministries will regularly visit and work with one another and that working groups will be exchanged to conduct mid-term assessments of the sides’ implementation of high-level agreements and discuss future cooperation directions.
They will collaborate on research, development, application, and technology transfer in various fields, including Industry 4.0 technologies (AI, IoT, big data, cloud computing), IT, startups, digital transformation, remote sensing technology, geology and minerals, agriculture and forestry, medicine, biotechnology, agricultural product preservation, clean energy, renewable energy, irrigation, water resources, and climate change, among others.
The two sides agreed to organise one or two training courses on sci-tech and innovation management annually. They also encouraged participation in activities and events that promote supply-demand connectivity, technology transfer, startups, and innovation organised bꩵy both countries each year.🦩/.
Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith on April 24 led a delegation to FSI Investment and Trading Technology Development JSC (FSI) to explore Make in Vietnam technology solutions that could support Laos' digital transformation in the logistics sector and, consequently, propel economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Vietnam stands ready to give Laos further support to ensure information security as the country is taking the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 with an array of high-level conferences to be held, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Huy Dung said on January 10.
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.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
