Vietnam - France: Strengthening cooperation in science, technology and innovation

On the morning of May 26, 2025, at the Presidential Palace, President Luong Cuong and French President Emmanuel Macron had an important meeting to promote the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Immediately after the meeting, the two sides' senior leaders witnessed the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents between ministries, sectors and enterprises of the two countries. Notably, there were cooperation agreements on science, technology, innovation (S&T) and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

On behalf of the two Governments, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung and Minister in charge of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Francophone Community and French International Partnerships Thani Mohamed Soilihi signed the new Agreement (the Agreement aims to update and replace the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement signed by the two Governments in 2007). The signing of the new Agreement is not only a necessary step but also opens up opportunities for deeper cooperation between Vietnam and France in the era of sustainable development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy and Minister in charge of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs , Francophone and French international partnerships Thani Mohamed Soilihi discussed the Cooperation Agreement on Science, Technology and Innovation between the two Governments. (Photo: VNA).

The cooperation agreement on science, technology and innovation between Vietnam and France focuses on enhancing the exchange of experts, scientists and students; promoting joint research cooperation; organizing conferences, seminars and technology exhibitions; supporting the development of technology transfer organizations and innovation ecosystems.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation between research institutions, universities and innovation management agencies, and to relaunch the Lotus Program - a prominent initiative that has brought many practical results in the field of science and technology between the two countries. The French Ministry of Research and Universities and the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology will coordinate with diplomatic missions to implement the Agreement.

Also on this occasion, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy and French Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial Sovereignty and Digitalization Eric Lombard exchanged a Letter of Intent on cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy.

According to the Letter of Intent, the two Parties commit to promoting long-term and sustainable cooperation in this field, including exchanging experiences and cooperating in research and development in the fields of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, radiation safety and nuclear security, radioactive waste management, incident response, as well as enhancing technical capacity between research and technical support organizations of the two countries.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy and French Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial Sovereignty and Digitalization Eric Lombard exchanged a Letter of Intent between the two ministries on cooperation in the field of using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. (Photo: VNA).

Vietnam and France are two countries with a long-standing, strong and constantly developing traditional cooperative relationship over time. President Emmanuel Macron's choice of Vietnam as the first destination of his Southeast Asia tour demonstrates the special respect that the French Government has for Vietnam.

President Emmanuel Macron's state visit is expected to create new momentum for the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in many fields: from politics, economics to education, scientific research, culture and defense.

In the context of the world facing new challenges in sustainable development, digital transformation and energy security, promoting cooperation in science, technology and innovation is not only of bilateral significance but also contributes practically to the common goals of the international community.

Center for Science and Technology Communication, Department of International Cooperation

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/viet-nam-cong-hoa-phap-tang-cuong-hop-tac-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-va-doi-moi-sang-tao-197250527083830225.htm