Vietnam Enhances Innovation Partnership with EU

Vietnam and the European Union are set to enhance their collaboration in science and innovation following a pivotal meeting in Hanoi between Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung and EU Commissioner for Research, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva.

Held on May 26 at the Government Headquarters, this meeting centered on broadening cooperation in areas such as research, digital transformation, and sustainable development. It saw participation from senior officials of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance, and Government Office.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung warmly welcomed the EU delegation and highlighted the positive trajectory of Vietnam-EU relations in recent years. He emphasized the strengthening of partnerships across various sectors including trade, investment, science, technology, and education.

The Deputy Prime Minister remarked on the recently upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the EU, initiated during the European Council President’s visit to Vietnam in January 2026. He indicated that this new framework presents significant opportunities for intensified collaboration in the innovation and high-tech domains.

Both parties expressed mutual appreciation for the ongoing preparations to sign a Letter of Intent aimed at bolstering cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. Vietnamese officials view this agreement as a vital step connecting local research institutions, universities, startups, and businesses with leading European innovation initiatives.

Ho Quoc Dung noted Vietnam’s considerable growth potential, attributed to its youthful workforce, burgeoning digital economy, and an increasingly dynamic innovation ecosystem. He voiced the country’s desire for closer ties with the EU in areas like artificial intelligence, green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable economic growth.

EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva acknowledged Vietnam’s innovation capabilities, stating that the EU remains one of the foremost global centers for research and development investments. She added that the EU intends to significantly boost investments and cooperation initiatives focused on science and innovation in the near future.

The Commissioner detailed how the forthcoming cooperation agreement will facilitate greater participation of Vietnamese universities, businesses, and research entities in Horizon Europe, which is among the largest EU research and innovation programs. She noted that increasing European investments in Vietnam would aid technology transfer, further enhancing the nation’s innovation capacity.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung expressed gratitude for the EU’s ongoing support and reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Europe in advanced technologies, clean energy, circular economy development, and digital transformation. Both sides conveyed optimism that strengthened innovation collaboration will yield long-term benefits for economic growth and sustainable progress.