Deepening Scientific and Technological Cooperation: Vietnam and South Korea Sign Agreement

In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral ties, Vietnam and South Korea have agreed to prioritise scientific and technological collaboration as a new pillar of their comprehensive strategic partnership. This decision comes as both nations set their sights on expanding trade and economic ties by 2030, with a target of reaching $150 billion in bilateral trade.

During a recent roundtable discussion, South Korean businesses and delegates shared insights on digital transformation, innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and national strategy development. Representatives from South Korean research institutes, universities, and technology firms proposed partnerships with Vietnamese counterparts in areas such as rare earth recovery, production technologies, joint R&D, and technology support for SMEs.

Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology, Nguyen Manh Hung, emphasised the country's commitment to science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the core drivers to become a high-income, developed nation. Hung aims for these sectors to contribute at least 50 per cent of GDP growth.

The strategic focus on advanced technologies is a key driver for this collaboration. Vietnam seeks to develop talent and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, biotechnology, quantum technology, and nuclear power, with South Korea's deep technological base providing critical support and knowledge transfer.

South Korean companies, numbering about 10,000 in Vietnam, form a substantial investment base that fuels economic development and technology transfer. Collaborative efforts are also planned in nuclear power to build talent and deepen understanding of Korean nuclear technology.

Government-level agreements and strategic frameworks are another crucial element. The recent summit in August 2025 between General Secretary To Lam and President Lee Jae Myung emphasised accelerating collaboration across digital infrastructure, energy, transportation, and climate adaptation.

Future expectations focus on doubling bilateral trade and expanding scientific exchanges that will foster innovation ecosystems conducive to high-tech industry growth in both countries. Joint R&D programs and digital technology applications aimed at community benefits and sustainable development are also on the horizon, demonstrating a commitment beyond commercial interests to societal impact.

Nurturing Vietnamese talent in high-tech sectors through training programs and cooperative projects with Korean technological institutions is another key aspect. The budget for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation has increased from 1 per cent to 3 per cent per year and is expected to continue to grow.

In summary, the Vietnam–South Korea science and technology collaboration is strategically positioned as a critical growth engine, leveraging industrial investment, talent development, and joint innovation initiatives to enhance economic resilience and competitiveness amid regional geopolitical dynamics.

To advance these fields, Vietnam is focusing on policy reform, talent training, financial investment, and international cooperation. The laws on high technology and technology transfer are being revised, with strong incentive policies for foreign investors involved in technology transfer activities to Vietnam.

The roundtable held on August 12 established a strategic cooperation framework centered on innovation, digital transformation, and advancements in science. Key agreements were signed, including an MoU between Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT, witnessed by Party General Secretary To Lam and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

Party General Secretary To Lam urged the Vietnam Innovation Network in South Korea to spearhead initiatives and foster connections that bring global expertise and cutting-edge advancements to Vietnam. Vietnam hopes that South Korea will share its experience in technology-based development, especially high technology, emerging technology, and core technology.

As the partnership between Vietnam and South Korea continues to grow, both nations are poised to reap the benefits of this strategic collaboration, driving economic growth, technological innovation, and sustainable development for the future.

Deepening Scientific and Technological Cooperation: Vietnam and South Korea Sign Agreement