Vietnam - Belgium promote cooperation in science, research and training

This is an activity within the framework of the State visit to Vietnam of the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Belgium.

Delegates attending the workshop. (Photo: Hanoi National University)

At the program, delegates discussed mechanisms and plans to expand future research cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium; shared information on funding sources from Belgium and proposed future strategic cooperation directions.

Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Education and Training) Nguyen Thu Thuy presented the Vietnam Education Development Strategy for the period 2019-2030, vision 2045. She also proposed some cooperation orientations with Belgium: cooperation in postgraduate training (master's, doctoral); coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training within the framework of Project 89; cooperation in scientific research and innovation; seeking financial support from international programs; promoting student exchange and cultural exchange; promoting short-term programs, expanding cooperation with Belgian educational organizations and networks, etc.

Director of Hanoi National University Le Quan emphasized that this event marks 30 years of effective cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium in the fields of science and training. He expressed his belief that, with the support of the two governments, this cooperative relationship will continue to develop strongly, bringing practical benefits to both sides.

Vietnam National University, Hanoi signed a framework cooperation agreement with KU Leuven University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel. (Photo: Vietnam National University, Hanoi)

KU Leuven President Luc Sels highly valued the educational cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted the three main pillars of this cooperation: excellence, impact and social engagement. Excellence ensures that research is highly competitive and meets global standards. Impact is the transformation of research results into concrete benefits for communities, businesses and policy makers. Social engagement ensures the relevance, accessibility and contribution of the cooperation to human development.

Delegates also affirmed the important role of universities and research institutes in promoting cooperation. However, for cooperation to be truly effective and sustainable, strong support from the two countries’ governments, funding agencies and appropriate policies are needed.

On this occasion, 6 cooperation agreements between Hanoi National University, its member units and Belgian units were signed.

According to information at the program, the cooperation between Vietnam and the Kingdom of Belgium in the fields of science, research and training has a long history since the early 1990s. Over the past 30 years, cooperation between the two countries has achieved many great achievements, making important contributions to the socio-economic development of Vietnam, especially in the fields of education, public health, clean water and environmental sanitation.

Belgium has become one of Vietnam’s leading partners in the field of education and training. Thousands of Vietnamese students have received scholarships to study at prestigious Belgian universities, contributing to the training of high-quality human resources for the country. Joint research cooperation programs between universities and research institutes of the two countries have produced practical results, solving urgent problems in Vietnam such as climate change, water resources management, sustainable urban development, and improving health capacity.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-bi-thuc-day-hop-tac-khoa-hoc-nghien-cuu-va-dao-tao-212080.html