Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has outlined key areas for deepening cooperation between Vietnam and Austria, including the advancement of industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology, the establishment of research and development (R&D) centres, and workforce training programmes.
Delivering a virtual address at the Vietnam–Austria High-Tech and Innovation Forum, held in Vienna on May 16, Dung highlighted the need to strengthen innovation and digital transformation capabilities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He also emphasised the importance of fostering public–private partnerships, developing green energy initiatives, and promoting startup incubation through innovation hubs.
The forum was jointly organised by Vietnam’s National Innovation Centre (NIC), the Vietnamese Embassy in Austria, and the Austrian Federal Economic Chambers. It serves as a platform for dialogue on emerging technologies, innovation strategies, and digital transformation, aligned with Vietnam’s ambition to become a high-income country by 2045.
The event brought together major technology firms from both countries, including Austria’s TTTech, Infineon Technologies Austria, and Dynatrace, as well as Vietnam’s FPT, VNPT, Sovico, and Genetica.
The Deputy PM called on the Austrian government, universities, and research institutions to support Vietnamese students through scholarships, assist innovative startups, and contribute to building networks of experts and scientists for joint research and technological development.
He noted that after over 50 years of diplomatic relations, Vietnam and Austria have become significant trade partners in the ASEAN and European regions. This, he said, lays a strong foundation for further collaboration across various sectors in the future.
He also expressed his admiration for Austria’s achievements in core and foundational technologies, including quantum science, biotechnology, semiconductors, and AI.
“Vietnam identifies science, technology, and innovation as critical breakthroughs and drivers of growth, aiming to enhance productivity, quality, efficiency, and economic competitiveness,” he stated.
To this end, Vietnam is actively addressing institutional challenges, investing in infrastructure, and focusing on human resource development. These efforts are intended to meet the country’s evolving development needs, promote digital transformation across all sectors, and strengthen international cooperation, he added.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang underscored Vietnam’s growing potential as a high-tech economy. Citing the Politburo's Resolution 57/NQ-TW, he noted the country’s strategic focus on AI, big data, semiconductors, microchips, automation, biotechnology, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G/6G technologies.
“With a population of over 100 million, a young and tech-savvy workforce, and a strategic position as a gateway to Southeast Asia, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for global technology corporations,” the ambassador said.
Austrian Ambassador to Vietnam Philipp Agathonos and representatives of Austria’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism also extended their congratulations on the forum’s success and reaffirmed Austria’s strong commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in high technology and innovation./.
