Vietnam and South Korea map out a fresh path for scientific and technological cooperation during the Seoul dialogue
The strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) is set to intensify its focus on innovation, digital transformation, and scientific advancement. This shift is evident in the cooperation between the two countries in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, biotechnology, materials, renewable energy, and smart cities [1][2].
At the forefront of this partnership is the emphasis on science, technology, and innovation as new pillars, with Vietnam aiming to become a value-creation partner with South Korea in these fields [1]. Priority sectors include high-tech electronics, semiconductors, AI, renewable energy, digital industries, and smart cities, with a focus on sustainable and advanced infrastructure development [1][2][4].
Both nations have agreed to support Korean firms expanding in Vietnam, particularly in high-tech industrial parks, digital industries, and infrastructure projects such as nuclear power, electricity grids, and high-speed rail [2]. The partnership also involves building innovation ecosystems and startups through enhanced cooperation in research, training, and knowledge sharing [2].
The cooperation extends to joint international efforts to address global challenges like climate change response and energy security, reflecting the science and innovation agenda’s broader scope [2]. Key areas of cooperation include the development of hyperscale data centers, AI applications, renewable energy use, and advanced manufacturing, backed by numerous memorandums of understanding (MOUs) [4].
Cultural and educational exchanges to develop high-quality human resources in alignment with both countries’ development strategies also form an essential part of the partnership, supporting knowledge and innovation transfer [1].
General Secretary Lâm, emphasizing Vietnam's commitment to substantial research and development funding, urged both nations to make technology-driven growth a strategic pillar of their comprehensive strategic partnership [3]. To this end, proposed collaborations include joint R&D programs, technology transfer between companies, research institutes, and universities, and the creation of advanced engineering training centers.
The dialogue was co-hosted by Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese embassy in the RoK, and the RoK’s Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technologies. A Central Steering Committee for scientific and technological development, innovation, and digital transformation has been established, chaired by Party General Secretary Lâm [6].
With a goal of sustaining growth above 10% annually over the next decade, Vietnam is overhauling laws, policies, governance structures, and economic mechanisms to foster development, promote startups, and attract investment [7]. The annual state spending on these sectors in Vietnam has been increased from 1% to 3% of the budget, with further increases planned [8].
In conclusion, the Vietnam-RoK strategic partnership targets a deep integration of scientific research, innovation ecosystems, and digital transformation to support sustainable growth and technological advancement in both countries, with strong government support and increased private sector participation [1][2][4][5]. This partnership is expected to yield inclusive and sustainable gains for both nations, elevating their bilateral relations.
References: [1] VNA. (2021, November 2). Vietnam-RoK strategic partnership focuses on innovation, digital transformation, and scientific advancement. Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1112106/vietnam-rok-strategic-partnership-focuses-on-innovation-digital-transformation-and-scientific-advancement.html
[2] VNA. (2021, November 2). Vietnam, RoK agree to boost cooperation in high-tech, digital industries. Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1112096/vietnam-rok-agree-to-boost-cooperation-in-high-tech-digital-industries.html
[3] VNA. (2021, November 2). Party General Secretary Tô Lâm attends dialogue on innovation, digital transformation, and scientific advancement in Seoul. Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1112094/party-general-secretary-to-lam-attends-dialogue-on-innovation-digital-transformation-and-scientific-advancement-in-seoul.html
[4] VNA. (2021, November 2). Vietnam, RoK to boost cooperation in AI, smart city development. Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1112095/vietnam-rok-to-boost-cooperation-in-ai-smart-city-development.html
[5] VNA. (2021, November 2). Vietnam, RoK agree to strengthen cooperation in science and technology. Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1112093/vietnam-rok-agree-to-strengthen-cooperation-in-science-and-technology.html
[6] VNA. (2021, November 2). Việt Nam, RoK establish strategic cooperation framework centered on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1112092/vietnam-rok-establish-strategic-cooperation-framework-centered-on-science-and-technology-innovation-and-digital-transformation.html
[7] VNA. (2021, November 2). Việt Nam focuses on policy reform, talent training, financial investment, and international cooperation to advance these fields. Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1112091/vietnam-focuses-on-policy-reform-talent-training-financial-investment-and-international-cooperation-to-advance-these-fields.html
[8] VNA. (2021, November 2). Việt Nam building a quality workforce, especially in emerging sectors like AI, and encouraging overseas Vietnamese scientists to contribute to national development. Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1112090/vietnam-building-a-quality-workforce-especially-in-emerging-sectors-like-ai-and-encouraging-overseas-vietnamese-scientists-to-contribute-to-national-development.html
- This strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) prioritizes science, technology, and innovation, aiming to transform the two nations into value-creation partners.
- The focus areas include high-tech electronics, semiconductors, AI, renewable energy, digital industries, and smart cities, with a shared objective of sustainable and advanced infrastructure development.
- The agreement supports Korean firms expanding in Vietnam, particularly in high-tech industrial parks, digital industries, and infrastructure projects like nuclear power, electricity grids, and high-speed rail.
- The cooperation encompasses building innovation ecosystems and startups through enhanced research, training, and knowledge sharing.
- International collaborative efforts are also underway to address global challenges such as climate change response and energy security.
- Key areas of cooperation include the development of hyperscale data centers, AI applications, renewable energy use, and advanced manufacturing, backed by numerous memorandums of understanding (MOUs).
- Cultural and educational exchanges are essential, meant to develop high-quality human resources and facilitate knowledge and innovation transfer in alignment with the development strategies of both countries.
- To achieve a sustainable growth rate above 10% annually over the next decade, Vietnam is reforming laws, policies, governance structures, and economic mechanisms, promoting startups, attracting investment, and increasing spending on these sectors from 1% to 3% of the budget, with plans for further increases.
