Vietnam, Switzerland eye stronger science, innovation cooperation

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat (R) meets Martina Hirayama, Head of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.  (Photo: VNA)

Bern (VNA) - Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat, who has been accompanying President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on his official visit to Switzerland, on November 26 had a working session with Martina Hirayama, Head of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) at the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.

During their meeting, the two officials agreed that it is necessary to further strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation amongst science and technology communities and businesses of the two countries, saying that this will bring mutual benefits and promote sustainable development in both countries.

Dat said he was impressed at Switzerland's achievements in growth and prosperity, saying that Vietnam always considers science - technology and innovation as a main motivation to realise its goal of becoming a modern industrial country by 2030, and a developed nation with high income by 2045.

Vietnam has focused on strengthening the capacity of the national innovation system, developing innovative enterprises, encouraging large private corporations to invest in research and development, and attracting foreign enterprises to invest in technology transfer, he said.

The minister suggested Hirayama support the upgrade of the 2019 letter of intent on innovation, science and technology between the two countries to a cooperation agreement between the two governments in the field.

According to the minister, the two sides will co-organise a number of seminars on digital transformation, application of high technology in health, agriculture, climate change adaptation, and innovation management.

Activities to promote investment and cooperation between high-tech zones of the two countries will be strengthened, Dat said, adding that Vietnam encourages Swiss businesses to invest and set up research and development centres in the Southeast Asian nation.

Vietnam is willing to serve as a destination among nearly 20 places worldwide for Switzerland to set up its office of science and technology, the minister said.

The Vietnamese ministry will create the most favorable conditions to promote bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation in the time to come, he affirmed./.

VNA