During the meeting, the two sides agreed on the need to promptly implement the common understanding of the senior leaders of the two countries regarding Viet Nam–RoK cooperation in science and technology. Both sides stressed the importance of quickly agreeing on focal-point mechanisms and developing an action plan for the 2026–2028 period with concrete outcomes. Priority areas identified included artificial intelligence (AI), AI governance, AI standards, assessment and certification, digital transformation, 6G technology, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, digital twins, and cooperation in training and expert exchanges.
Ambassador Vu Ho proposed that the RoK’s Ministry of Science and ICT continue supporting Viet Nam in implementing the Master Plan Framework for Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation between Viet Nam–RoK; promote the role of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in building and implementing the master plan; connect Vietnamese research institutes with leading Korean research institutions; and strengthen joint research, shared laboratories, and high-quality science and technology human resource training programmes during the 2026–2028 period.
To improve the effectiveness of the Joint Research Programme, Ambassador Vu Ho suggested that the National Research Foundation of Korea consider the proposal of Viet Nam’s National Foundation for Science and Technology Development to sign a memorandum of understanding and create a long-term cooperation framework to pave the way for flexible cooperation models such as thematic cooperation programmes and science and technology personnel exchange programmes between the two countries.
The two sides also discussed advancing the next phase of the Viet Nam–Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST) project, including finalising project documents, strengthening KIST’s role, and coordinating with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Viet Nam’s Ministry of Science and Technology to enhance effectiveness of cooperation in research and development, innovation, technology commercialisation, and human resource training.
In addition, Ambassador Vu Ho proposed that the Ministry of Science and ICT organise training courses on building, managing, and implementing projects for officials in the cooperation framework between the two countries.
During the talks with Ambassador Vu Ho, First Vice Minister Koo Huck Chae also outlined several policy changes under the administration of President Lee Je Myung. According to him, the new government requires a thorough reassessment of Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects. Although funding for research and development (R&D) has increased, the evaluation of international cooperation projects has become more stringent. Therefore, agencies need to work closely with each other to prepare comprehensive project documents meeting the current strict assessment requirements.
To build the master plan agreed upon by both sides, First Vice Minister Koo Huck Chae proposed establishing a working group to formulate a feasible master plan as soon as possible. He emphasised the need to clearly define priority sectors, implementation scale, timelines, and especially strategies for attracting human resources, which he said would be essential for the effective implementation of the science and technology cooperation master plan.
He also recommended that Viet Nam pay greater attention to improving its legal framework to ensure that the implementation of the master plan is not hindered.
In addition, First Vice Minister Koo Huck Chae suggested that, alongside the working group responsible for drafting the master plan, Viet Nam should establish a high-level advisory board capable of providing advice to the government on strategies, plans, policies, and orientation for long-term and effective science, technology development, and innovation.
