Vietnam and Estonia strengthen cooperation in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation

On May 6, 2025, within the framework of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to the Republic of Estonia, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on digital transformation and digital economy with the Estonian Foreign Minister in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. This event marks an important step forward, opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the digital age.

The two Ministers signed and exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation under the witness of

of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Kristen Michal

Previously, on May 5, 2025, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung had a bilateral meeting and working session with Estonian Minister ofEducation and Research Kristina Kallas in the capital Tallinn. The meeting focused on discussing cooperation opportunities in the fields of education, research and development of information and communication technology (ICT).

During the meeting, Minister Kristina Kallas introduced Estonia’s advanced education and research system. She highly appreciated Vietnam’s potential as a large and dynamic market, and emphasized that Estonian technology companies and research institutions should prioritize promoting cooperation with Vietnam to take advantage of opportunities from the rapidly developing economy of Southeast Asia.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung expressed his impression of Estonia's progressive educational philosophy, especially its approach to early skills training and its autonomous education model. The Minister also highly appreciated Estonia's achievements in developing digital government and digital transformation, with a transparent and effective e-Government system that is considered a global model.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung and Minister Kristina Kallas at the working session

The two Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation between research institutions and universities of the two countries. The two Ministries will act as focal points to promote the connection of research institutions, facilitate the exchange of needs and implement joint research projects in strategic technology areas. These initiatives aim to leverage the strengths of both Vietnam and Estonia to develop advanced technology solutions to meet the needs of the digital age.

In addition, the two ministries will promote cooperation in the fields of research, training and student exchange, especially between leading ICT training universities of the two countries. The goal is to improve the quality of high-tech human resources, meeting the needs of digital economic development of both countries.

At the same time, the two sides agreed to discuss research and development priorities, which will serve as a basis for building joint cooperation initiatives in technology areas of mutual interest. These initiatives will create a foundation for long-term cooperation, contributing to promoting innovation and digital transformation in both Vietnam and Estonia.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung presents souvenir to Minister Kristina Kallas

On this occasion, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung invited Minister Kristina Kallas to visit Vietnam soon to continue exchanging and sharing Estonia's experiences and philosophies on education and research, and at the same time promote specific cooperation initiatives between the two countries.

Estonia is one of the world's leading countries in digital government and digital transformation, with an efficient and transparent e-Government system and nearly 99% of public services digitized. Meanwhile, Vietnam is determined to build a digital economy, considering science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as the main drivers for sustainable growth. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on digital transformation and digital economy between the two countries not only creates an opportunity for Vietnam to learn from Estonia's successful model, but also opens up prospects for bilateral cooperation in areas such as digital infrastructure development, technology application and training of high-quality human resources./.

Center for Science and Technology Communication, Department of International Cooperation

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/viet-nam-va-estonia-tang-cuong-hop-tac-ve-khcn-dmstcds-197250606205424618.htm