Cooperation in science and technology is an important pillar of the overall bilateral relationship and provides a driving force for Viet Nam and France to realise their sustainable development goals in the new period.
Science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are making important contributions to economic growth and helping enhance national competitiveness. Against the backdrop of increasingly fierce global technological competition, expanding international cooperation in science and technology is an urgent requirement for Viet Nam, enabling the country to gain greater access to advanced and modern technologies for national development. Within Viet Nam-France relations, science and technology cooperation plays an important role and is being given priority by both sides.
At a recent meeting with French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet, who paid a farewell call on the occasion of the conclusion of his term in Viet Nam, General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that Viet Nam always attaches importance to its relations with France, its first comprehensive strategic partner in the European Union (EU). He also noted that science and technology are increasingly emerging as a new area of cooperation of strategic significance to both countries.
As part of efforts to take decisive steps towards opening broader and deeper cooperation between Viet Nam and France in this important field, Viet Nam recently approved a plan to implement the Agreement on Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Government of the French Republic.
Signed and entered into force on May 26, 2025, the agreement focuses on promoting exchanges among experts, scientists, and students; advancing joint research; organising conferences, seminars, and technology exhibitions; and supporting the development of technology-transfer organisations and innovation ecosystems in the two countries. Implementing the agreement is a necessary step towards translating the potential for cooperation into practical programmes and projects, thereby strengthening connections among research institutions, universities, scientists, and businesses in both countries.
The cooperation landscape between Viet Nam and France in space and aviation technology has also seen a number of notable highlights. In May 2025, as part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Viet Nam, the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) signed a declaration of intent for cooperation with the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and Airbus Defence and Space (ADS) on the development of Earth observation satellites.
The declaration of intent reflects the readiness of the parties to expand cooperation in developing a new generation of satellites for Viet Nam, including technological solutions, human resource training, and the sharing of applications serving sustainable development. This demonstrates efforts to effectively implement the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership amid rapid advances in innovation and digital transformation, while also reflecting the support of the two states for promoting cooperation in high-tech fields, especially satellites and space technology.
According to Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai, France is one of Europe’s leading countries in science and technology, with particular strengths in aerospace, energy, nuclear technology, transport, healthcare, digital technology, artificial intelligence, high-tech agriculture, and technologies supporting the green transition. All these areas are highly compatible with Viet Nam’s current development priorities. Promoting cooperation with France in these key fields will enable Viet Nam to gain access to advanced French technologies and gradually enhance its capacity to conduct research, master, adapt, and develop technologies, thereby contributing to the country’s long-term development goals.
In today’s increasingly volatile world, the strong relationship between Viet Nam and France is one of the important factors enabling both countries to build their strength, enhance their standing, and work together to address challenges. Among these areas, science and technology cooperation stands out as a particularly bright spot, providing strong momentum for the Viet Nam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to develop in an increasingly substantive, extensive, and sustainable manner.
