Vietnam and South Korea strengthen ties with new sci-tech pact

Vietnam and South Korea strengthen ties with new sci-tech pact

Vietnam and South Korea have taken a major step to deepen their strategic partnership, signing a new agreement to advance cooperation in science and technology.

On August 11, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in sci-tech. The signing, witnessed by Party General Secretary To Lam and President Lee Jae Myung during the Vietnamese leader’s visit to Seoul, is expected to boost innovation capacity and deliver practical benefits to individuals and businesses in both countries.

Party General Secretary To Lam and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung witnessed the MoU signing. Photo: MoST

As part of the visit, the MoST, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Vietnamese Embassy, in collaboration with South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, held a roundtable on August 12. The first of its kind, the event established a strategic cooperation framework centred on three key growth drivers: innovation, digital transformation, and advancements in science.

In his speech, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasised the importance of sci-tech development. He cited South Korea’s 'Miracle on the Han River' as proof of the transformative power of technology-driven growth, urging both nations to make it a strategic pillar of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

“Vietnam has adopted a national strategy that prioritises sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers to boost competitiveness and achieve high-income, developed nation status,” said Party General Secretary Lam. “To advance these fields, the country is focusing on policy reform, talent training, financial investment, and international cooperation.”

He emphasised that cooperation in these areas will be a central pillar in elevating bilateral relations, expressing confidence that the Vietnam-South Korea comprehensive strategic partnership will deliver inclusive and sustainable benefits for both nations.

According to Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung, Vietnam sees sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation as the core drivers to become a high-income, developed nation, aiming for them to contribute at least 50 per cent of GDP growth.

"Vietnam hopes that South Korea will share its experience in technology-based development, especially high technology, emerging technology, and core technology; and at the same time, increase technology transfer through research, training and development centres in Vietnam," said Minister Hung.

He added that the budget for these areas has increased from 1 per cent to 3 per cent per year and is expected to continue to grow. Currently, the laws on high technology and technology transfer are being revised, with strong incentive policies for foreign investors involved in technology transfer activities to Vietnam.

He also called for deeper collaboration in semiconductors, electronics, telecommunications, AI, quantum technology, new energy, biotechnology, nanotechnology and cybersecurity, joint research and development (R&D) initiatives, technology transfer between companies, research institutes and universities, and the development of R&D centres.

Hung said Vietnam is looking forward to working with South Korea to build a digital government platform, develop a national data centre, and enhance cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and governance capacity.

Also at the event, South Korean businesses and delegates shared insights on digital transformation, innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and national strategy development.

Representatives from South Korean research institutes, universities, and technology firms proposed partnerships with Vietnamese counterparts in areas such as rare earth recovery, production technologies, joint R&D, and technology support for SMEs.

VIR