In recent years, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has stepped up bilateral and multilateral cooperation and connected businesses with international partners, organisations and research institutes in supporting industries, semiconductors, renewable energy, electronics and core technologies.

Politburo Resolution No.57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation clearly identifies strengthening international cooperation in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as a key task.

Accordingly, Viet Nam is focusing on strengthening scientific research and technology development cooperation with countries that have advanced capabilities in science and technology and digital transformation, particularly in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technology, semiconductors, nuclear energy and other strategic technologies.

The resolution also calls for policies to facilitate the purchase and transfer of advanced technologies suited to Viet Nam’s conditions, while proactively participating in the development of international rules and standards for emerging technologies to ensure safety and mutual benefit. It also seeks to promote capacity building and technology transfer through international agreements and treaties to which Viet Nam is a party.

Implementing Resolution No.57-NQ/TW, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has in recent years strengthened bilateral and multilateral cooperation and connected businesses with international partners, organisations and research institutes in supporting industries, semiconductors, renewable energy, electronics and core technologies.

For strategic technologies and technology products, the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has reviewed and assessed the potential and strengths of countries and businesses in researching, mastering and transferring a number of strategic technologies and technology products identified by the Ministry, providing a basis for proactively expanding cooperation in the coming period.

Since 2026, the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion has proactively advised on additional funding for the Ministry’s international cooperation activities and those of its institutes. In 2026, the Department is expected to organise two overseas working missions to survey, meet and establish connections with partners in training, research and technology transfer.

At the same time, universities and research institutes have proactively carried out a range of international cooperation activities. Notably, in 2025, the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City hosted 70 international delegations comprising more than 400 experts, signed 25 agreements and implemented projects with total funding of approximately USD 1.5 million, creating a pool of partners for commissioned technology projects and international experts.

Other examples include the STRIVE project of Quang Ninh University of Industry; international cooperation, scholarships and equipment programmes of the University of Economics - Technology for Industries (UNETI); international cooperation with Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, France and Germany by the Electric Power University; Viet Nam - Republic of Korea cooperation on critical mineral supply chains by the Vietnam Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (VIMLUKI); international projects of the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City; and the Institute of Leather and Footwear Research’s orientation towards shared laboratories, pilot projects and co-financing with businesses.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Decision No.2795/QD-BCT promulgating the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation to Support the Development of the Industry and Trade Sector through 2030 also sets out solutions for international cooperation and integration.

Under the strategy, the Ministry will proactively and actively promote activities to facilitate exchanges, networking and the signing and implementation of science, technology and innovation cooperation projects and programmes with international organisations and countries with advanced industrial technologies. These efforts are expected to help mobilise resources, enhance domestic research capacity and attract the transfer of advanced technologies from abroad.

The strategy also calls for stronger coordination and linkages between science and technology organisations and businesses in the industry and trade sector and reputable universities and research institutes worldwide to conduct joint research addressing urgent and practical issues facing the sector.

It encourages and facilitates research institutes and universities under the Ministry of Industry and Trade to organise and host international scientific conferences and workshops in Viet Nam, while participating in scientific conferences and workshops overseas.

In addition, the Ministry aims to maximise the effectiveness of its network of overseas trade offices in opening up and leveraging research cooperation relations, as well as identifying, decoding and facilitating technology transfer.