Vietnam and Germany have developed strong cooperation in all areas since their diplomatic relations were established 35 years ago (Sept. 23, 1975). The leading field is science and technology.

The protocol for scientific research cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) was first inked in 1996 after a working visit by German leaders and experts to several research institutions in Vietnam.

Since then, many agreements have been signed by both sides, laying a legal foundation and creating a favourable environment for science and technology agencies in Vietnam and Germany to cooperate.

In 2005, Germany pledged 23 million EUR to support a joint project on research cooperation between institutes, universities and companies from the two countries.

The results have yielded highly effective solutions to treat water resources and improve the environment in many localities across Vietnam, including the southern city of Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City as well as the Mekong Delta region; the central highland province of Lam Dong; the capital of Hanoi, and the northern provinces of Nam Dinh and Quang Ninh.

Back in 2000, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on research cooperation in biological technologies. From 2003-2008, the programme provided training to young Vietnamese scholars and implemented joint research projects with a total funding of 3.6 million EUR.

So far, Vietnam has become one of only a few major partners in Asia for Germany, particularly in water treatment and environmental technologies.

The scope of bilateral cooperation has been expanded over time--from Vietnam’s receipt of German scholarships to regular exchanges of information, working delegations and joint research programmes.

Envisioning Vietnam’s need to improve scientific research management, the BMBF has sent experienced experts and consultants to Vietnam to support project groups and train human resources in the industry for Vietnam./.