Prime Minister Collaborates with Vietnam Innovation Network in Europe
On the afternoon of January 19 (local time), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a working session with the Vietnam Innovation Network in Europe (VINEU) and Vietnamese experts in Prague during his official visit to the Czech Republic.
Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung reported that Vietnam has established 10 innovation networks in developed countries and regions specializing in science, technology, and innovation, with approximately 2,000 members.
During the meeting, representatives from VINEU, Vietnamese experts, and entrepreneurs in Europe shared insights and recommendations for Vietnam’s development in several key areas. These included fostering cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology between France and Vietnam, exploring global trends in health sciences, advancing medical cooperation projects, and developing human resources in semiconductors and medical technology between Germany and Vietnam. Other proposals included strengthening medical collaboration and expert exchanges with the Czech Republic and building bridges for technology and knowledge exchange between Hungary and Vietnam.
Delegates also suggested establishing a specialized agency for innovation, enhancing domestic and international academic exchanges, and creating hubs for innovation and resource attraction.
Prime Minister Chinh welcomed the contributions from experts, intellectuals, and members of VINEU, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing science, high technology, and innovation for Vietnam’s development. He acknowledged Vietnam’s humble starting point but highlighted the nation’s transformation through innovative thinking, economic reforms, and effective resource mobilization. Vietnam has progressed from a war-torn, isolated country to one of the world’s top 20 economies in import-export scale.
The Prime Minister commended the Ministry of Planning and Investment for its role in establishing and nurturing Vietnam’s innovation networks and applauded the contributions of network members and experts in Europe. He encouraged members to strengthen ties with the National Innovation Centre, contribute to policymaking, attract public and private resources, and advance research, technology transfer, and human resource development.
He also emphasized the importance of driving economic growth by renewing traditional growth drivers such as investment, exports, and consumption, while embracing emerging drivers like the digital economy, green economy, circular economy, creative economy, and knowledge economy. Additionally, he underscored opportunities in semiconductor chips, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things.
Addressing delegates’ proposals, PM Chinh committed to researching the establishment of a specialized agency for innovation and improving mechanisms, policies, and institutions to promote innovation, attract talent, and support research initiatives.
The Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and relevant agencies with strengthening connections with network members and overseas Vietnamese experts. He called for concrete programs and initiatives to harness collective strength, integrate national and global resources, and advance Vietnam toward an era of growth, prosperity, and improved well-being for its people.
