Cooperation in the field of science between Vietnam and Laos: realizing the contents agreed upon by the leaders of the two Parties and the two Governments

Research cooperation in the field of science between Vietnam and Laos has continuously developed, becoming a solid foundation for comprehensive cooperation; making practical contributions to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, which is increasingly blossoming and bearing fruit.

Strategic collaborations

Every day, at the Disaster Data and Communication Laboratory in Vientiane (Laos), staff are on duty, processing earthquake data according to procedures. Earthquake data is connected and transmitted in real time using the SeisComP program from earthquake stations in Laos and from monitoring systems in other countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and international systems such as Geofon, Iris...

When an earthquake occurs, the system will automatically process it in real time and provide earthquake parameters, such as earthquake time, earthquake location, magnitude, depth, etc. In case the earthquake is larger than 4.5, staff at the Laboratory will analyze the data to accurately calibrate the earthquake parameters.

It is known that the Disaster Data and Communication Laboratory was built with the support of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. This is the starting point for the construction of a geophysical network system in Laos and connecting data with the geophysical station network of Vietnam, Thailand and Southeast Asia. The Disaster Data and Communication Laboratory began to be renovated, installed with equipment and software from July 26 to August 4, with an area of 50 m2, including 4 display screens, 2 computers and some other equipment used in real-time earthquake monitoring.

Delegates visit the Disaster Data and Communication Laboratory in Laos. (Photo: Hai Tien)

In addition to providing basic equipment, Vietnam organized a training course on laboratory operations and shared experience in basic data analysis for 15 officials of the Lao Ministry of Information and Communications.

Not only supporting Laos in building a data and disaster warning information system, Vietnam also supports Laos in building a National Center for Data Storage and Cloud Computing.

Most recently, Vietnam helped Laos build the Scientific Research and Training Center Project at the National University of Laos with a total investment of more than 142 billion VND. The project will include a 6-storey building with a total area of about 2,924 m2, with a subdivision for scientific research activities, a subdivision for training and education activities, and a common living area.

The project is implemented through 3 training and development groups, including training courses for science and technology experts; training courses based on the research group model; and training courses on leadership and management capacity, to meet 5 priority cooperation areas for training, coaching and scientific research activities in the cooperation program between the two sides.

In the future, the project will help train and foster to improve the professional qualifications, expertise, knowledge, management skills, research and implementation for the science and technology workforce, helping to form a team of experts and science and technology workforce with high professional qualifications, with sufficient capacity to research, absorb, master and develop technology. The project is a symbol of Vietnam-Laos educational cooperation, helping to deepen the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

Groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Center for Scientific Research and Training at the National University of Laos. Photo: Phuong Lien

Contribute significantly to the construction and development of Laos

Since 1985, the Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos was signed. After that, many projects to improve the research capacity of research institutes and universities, and promote academic exchanges between scientists and managers of the two countries were effectively implemented.

In the 10 years from 2011-2021, the total investment capital that Vietnam supported through joint research cooperation projects with Laos reached nearly 100 billion VND; including support for Laos to build a laboratory with basic equipment for research on clean energy technology. Hundreds of Lao managers and dozens of researchers have been supported with postgraduate training and improved research and management skills in science and technology, many Lao research organizations have been equipped with modern facilities and research laboratories. Research laboratory deploying clean energy technology.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said that the Lao Government attaches great importance to the development of science and technology. The Prime Minister highly appreciated the results achieved in cooperation in science, technology and innovation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and relevant ministries and sectors of Laos.

The Lao Prime Minister emphasized that Vietnam's assistance and support to Laos, especially in training, fostering and developing human resources, and building a number of infrastructures in the fields of science, technology and innovation, have made important contributions to the country's construction and development. The Lao Prime Minister suggested that in the coming time, the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and relevant Lao ministries and branches continue to strengthen cooperation, organize the implementation of the contents of the agreements signed by the two sides, contributing to realizing the contents agreed upon by the leaders of the two Parties and the two Governments.

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat said that the cooperation between the two countries in the field of technology and innovation has always been maintained and has made substantial developments and better met the socio-economic development requirements of each country. The first meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee on Technology and Innovation will mark a new step forward in the cooperation in technology and innovation between the two countries in general, and the relationship between the two ministries in particular.

Minister Huynh Thanh Dat affirmed that Vietnam pays special attention to cooperation in the field of technology and innovation with Laos to ensure that technology and innovation become key factors and pillars for the socio-economic development of each country.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/hop-tac-trong-linh-vuc-khoa-hoc-giua-viet-nam-lao-hien-thuc-hoa-cac-noi-dung-lanh-dao-hai-dang-hai-chinh-phu-thong-nhat-207456.html