Within the framework of his visit and work in Vietnam, on the afternoon of August 4, 2025, Lao Minister of Information and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara had an important discussion with Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung.
Overview of the Seminar.
Affirming long-term vision, promoting real action for a sustainable digital future
In his opening speech, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung sent a warm welcome to the Minister and the delegation of the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications; at the same time, he emphasized that this is an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations between Vietnam and Laos, especially in the context that Vietnam's science and technology sector is making strategic adjustments to take on a key role in socio -economic development.
The Minister expressed his deep belief that, based on the strong and effective cooperation in the past time, the seminar will open a new phase of cooperation, more substantive and effective, contributing to realizing the commitments of the two countries' senior leaders. "This is also a favorable time for both sides to review the results achieved, share information on policies and development orientations, and discuss and agree on specific cooperation contents in the coming time."
Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung speaks at the seminar.
Speaking at the seminar, Lao Minister of Information and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara affirmed that the working trip was of great significance within the framework of activities to celebrate the 48th anniversary of the signing of the Laos-Vietnam Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977 - July 18, 2025) and the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (September 5, 1962 - September 5, 2025). According to him, 2025 is an important milestone in bilateral relations, opening up new opportunities to further deepen comprehensive cooperation, especially in the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Minister Boviengkham Vongdara expressed his hope that the two sides would strengthen comprehensive connectivity in the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation; promote specific, practical and long-term impact cooperation projects; cooperate in exchanging experiences in digital transformation, developing digital government, promoting digital economy, digital industry, startups, and providing capital support for startups; cooperate in exchanging experiences in building and encouraging investment in high-tech parks and special economic zones for digital technology, etc.
On this occasion, he respectfully invited Minister Nguyen Manh Hung to pay an official visit to the Lao PDR, and affirmed that he would continue to make efforts to promote the effective implementation of the discussed cooperation contents, in order to realize the common vision of a digital future of companionship and sustainable development.
Lao Minister of Information and Communications Technology Boviengkham Vongdara speaks at the Dialogue.
Within the framework of the Seminar, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy introduced the structure and strategic orientation of the Ministry of Science and Technology after the merger. The Deputy Minister said that the new Ministry not only inherits all the functions of the two predecessor ministries, but is also assigned by the Central and Government an additional breakthrough responsibility: implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo - three strategic breakthroughs for rapid and sustainable growth and realizing the goal of turning Vietnam into a high-income developed country by the middle of the 21st century.
Deputy Minister Bui The Duy affirmed, "The Ministry of Science and Technology was established with the vision of becoming a core force, a pioneer in creating a national development model based on knowledge and innovation with the core ideology thoroughly understood and concretized in the STID model - "Science, Technology, Innovation, Digital Transformation". At the same time, it affirms the role of quality measurement standards and intellectual property as two important tools to develop a knowledge-based economy.
With the responsibility of comprehensively managing the value chain from research to application, commercialization and digital transformation, the Ministry of Science and Technology aims to make enterprises the center of innovation, universities the center of basic research, and intermediary organizations the catalysts to promote the entire national ecosystem of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation. The consistent idea is that the development of science and technology must be associated with application, commercialization and improving labor productivity, thereby making practical contributions to national development in the era of knowledge and comprehensive digitalization.
Deputy Minister Bui The Duy introduced the Ministry of Science and Technology after the merger.
At the meeting, Lao Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Saysana Sitthiphone reported on the situation of Vietnam - Laos cooperation in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Over the past time, the two ministries have closely coordinated, contributing significantly to the modernization of digital infrastructure, human resource development and enhancement of innovation capacity in Laos. In particular, technology transfer programs, expert training, and experience sharing in implementing digital models have brought about practical results.
To improve the effectiveness of cooperation in the coming period, the Deputy Minister proposed: Continue to strengthen the multi-layered, multi-level coordination mechanism, enhance connections between functional units, centers, and research institutes to promptly meet practical requirements; Encourage the transfer of advanced technology, coordinate the implementation of joint research projects, especially in new fields such as AI, big data, technology standards and technical development for production, etc. In addition, the two Ministries need to focus on building innovative technology parks, creating a foundation to attract bilateral investment; as well as promote international cooperation and mutual support at regional and global forums in the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation. Another important content emphasized is to continue supporting Laos in developing high-quality human resources, improving the quality of teaching and training, in order to better meet the development requirements of the digital age and the fourth industrial revolution.
Deputy Minister Saysana Sitthiphone reported on the situation of Vietnam - Laos cooperation in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Agree on 4 strategic cooperation directions
Updating on Vietnam's recent major policy changes in the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, Ms. Nguyen Nhu Quynh, Director of the Legal Department, said that in building and perfecting institutions and laws, the Ministry of Science and Technology has resolutely eliminated the mindset of "if you can't manage it, then ban it"; proactively shifted from "managing the way of doing things" to "managing the goals"; from pre-inspection to post-inspection; from strict management to avoid risks to accepting controlled risks; gradually turning institutions into a competitive advantage in developing science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Notably, at the 9th session, the 15th National Assembly passed 5 laws related to science and technology with many important innovations: Law on Science, Technology and Innovation; Law on Digital Technology Industry; Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Technical Standards and Regulations; Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality, and Law on Atomic Energy (amended).
Ms. Nguyen Nhu Quynh added that currently, the Ministry of Science and Technology is focusing on developing and submitting to the Government 16 Decrees detailing the above 5 Laws. At the same time, the Ministry is also developing and submitting to the National Assembly for approval 4 laws in October 2025, including: Law on Digital Transformation; Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Intellectual Property; Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Technology Transfer; Law amending the Law on High Technology. The Ministry of Science and Technology is also reviewing all relevant legal documents to ensure the consistency and uniformity of the legal system on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation; including consistency and uniformity with the new Laws passed by the National Assembly.
Ms. Nguyen Nhu Quynh, Director of the Legal Department, reported at the Seminar.
In a friendly, open and sincere atmosphere, the delegates focused on exchanging and discussing strategic cooperation orientations in the coming time. Specifically, continuing to maintain delegation exchanges at all levels, training courses, joint research tasks, in-depth cooperation on digital transformation; cooperation in training, human resource development; cooperation in supporting innovation, technology transfer, technology assessment and appraisal; cooperation in exchanging experiences in developing digital government, promoting digital economy, digital industry, startups, capital support for startups; cooperation in exchanging experiences in building and encouraging investment in high-tech zones, special economic zones for digital technology; Laos considers preferential import tax policies for telecommunications equipment and high-tech information technology so that telecommunications enterprises can boldly invest in infrastructure serving national digital transformation; Share information about digital transformation projects with government agencies as well as businesses in Laos so that Vietnamese businesses such as Viettel and VNPT can accompany and participate in these projects to help the Lao Government and businesses shorten implementation time...
In his concluding remarks, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed that cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation needs to be raised to a new level - deeper, more substantial and more effective.
The Minister emphasized four major orientations to open a new chapter of cooperation between the two Ministries:
Firstly, institutional and policy cooperation. Vietnam is willing to share its experience in developing new laws and documents guiding the implementation of the Law. Accordingly, it is proposed that the two sides coordinate to amend the Law on Electronic Transactions of Laos, develop a legal corridor on high technology, digital technology zones, technology transfer, technology assessment and electronic authentication - towards mutual recognition of digital signatures, thereby forming a common digital trust market between the two countries.
Second, cooperation in training and human resource development. The Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to provide long-term training for Lao officials studying for a Master's degree in computer science in Vietnam; expand short-term courses on Internet technology, frequency, telecommunications, reliable services and technology management.
Third, developing new cooperation spaces: Digital Transformation - Innovation - AI. Vietnam proposed to work with Laos to develop AI application models in education, healthcare, agriculture, public administration; develop shared digital platforms, cross-border digital services, high-tech zones and digital technology special zones. The two sides will coordinate to build a high-tech development program in Laos for the period 2025-2030; Implement the annual Vietnam - Laos Technology Forum; Organize the annual Vietnam - Laos Digital Week; Invite Lao officials to Vietnam to visit the actual application of AI, digital technology, digital signature and open data platforms...
Fourth, the two sides promote Vietnam-Laos business cooperation, taking it as the central cooperation between the two ministries.
The Minister said that the two sides have laid a solid foundation after more than 15 years of cooperation in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation with hundreds of trained staff, dozens of research tasks implemented, many useful technologies transferred into practice, especially cooperation achievements in the digital transformation period such as electronic authentication, data centers, telecommunications networks, and e-government. "Now is the time for us to open a new chapter of cooperation together - with a long-term vision, with innovative initiatives and with a spirit of practical action".
The Minister emphasized that the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology is committed to accompanying the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications in every step and every stage, to jointly build a space for innovation, connection and development for the prosperity of the people of the two countries.
Delegates take souvenir photos.
Center for Science and Technology Communication
Source: https://mst.gov.vn/viet-nam-lao-mo-ra-chuong-hop-tac-moi-ve-khcndmstcds-197250805083745359.htm
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