Vietnam and Brazil strengthen cooperation in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation

On September 9, 2025, under the co-chair of Deputy Minister of Science and Technology (MOST) Bui The Duy and Acting Secretary of State for S&T for Digital Transformation of Brazil Hamilton Mendes, the First Meeting of the Joint Committee on Cooperation in Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation (S&T, I&D) between Vietnam and Brazil was held online, with the participation of representatives of leaders of agencies, research institutes, universities and enterprises of the two countries.

Speaking at the opening of the session, Deputy Minister Bui The Duy emphasized that science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are important pillars in the Vietnam - Brazil Strategic Partnership, contributing to promoting sustainable growth and enhancing national competitiveness. The Deputy Minister affirmed that on the basis of increasingly strengthened cooperation, the two countries have many opportunities to promote and deepen cooperation through activities in this field. Vietnam and Brazil both have their own strengths, creating complementary advantages for mutual development.

Mr. Hamilton Mendes, Acting Secretary of State for Science and Technology for Digital Transformation of Brazil, highly appreciated Vietnam's development achievements and wished to promote cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, clean energy and digital transformation.

At the meeting, the two sides discussed the strengths and cooperation situation in the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation. Vietnam and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1989, upgraded to Comprehensive Partnership (2007) and Strategic Partnership (2024), and signed the Action Plan 2025-2030 with 6 pillars of cooperation. Brazil is currently Vietnam's largest trading partner in Latin America with a turnover of nearly 8 billion USD in 2024, aiming for 15 billion USD in 2030.

In the field of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, the two countries have had a Framework Agreement since 2008, are promoting the establishment of a Joint Committee and have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation (June 2025), opening up opportunities to connect research institutes, universities and businesses in the fields of semiconductors, AI, renewable energy, environment and digital transformation. This is expected to create a new foundation, promoting substantive, effective and in-depth cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.

Delegation of the Ministry of Science and Technology attended the 1st meeting of the Joint Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation Cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil.

Within the framework of the Meeting, the two sides held 6 thematic discussion sessions, focusing on priority areas. The 3 topics discussed were policies on science , technology and innovation, artificial intelligence and joint research cooperation mechanisms.

In terms of policy, Vietnam and Brazil introduced national policies on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation; and presented potential programs and projects. Brazil highlighted its National Strategy 2025-2035, focusing on innovative and sustainable industrialization, while Vietnam affirmed its orientation of linking science and technology with knowledge-based economic development.

Regarding artificial intelligence, the Vietnamese representative presented the National Strategy on AI research, development and application, while the Brazilian side introduced the Artificial Intelligence Plan (PBIA), affirming the potential for cooperation in research, development and application of AI technology to serve sustainable development goals.

Regarding joint research cooperation, the two sides proposed a mechanism to enhance cooperation between research centers and universities; and agreed to soon organize an event connecting scientists to prepare for launching joint research proposals.

In the coming time, the two sides will discuss the remaining 3 thematic discussion sessions on semiconductor technology, creative startups and the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology Cooperation.

Overview of the 1st meeting of the Joint Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation Cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil.

The two sides also agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to implement the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2025, with a specific plan including: Identifying priority areas for the 2025-2028 period, periodically launching calls for joint research proposals, organizing events connecting scientists, research institutes, universities and businesses of the two countries. At the same time, the two sides will step up the implementation of many practical activities such as organizing online seminars to give scientists more opportunities to exchange, discuss, and promote joint research co-funding programs.

Deputy Minister Bui The Duy affirmed that the successful organization of the first session of the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation Cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil demonstrated the common determination of the two countries in promoting cooperation in Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation, and expressed his belief that at the next session, the two sides will share specific cooperation results that have been implemented from the discussion contents.

The first meeting of the Vietnam - Brazil Joint Commission is an important milestone, opening a new, more comprehensive and extensive phase of cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation between the two countries, contributing practically to the sustainable development and common prosperity of both sides.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/viet-nam-va-brazil-tang-cuong-hop-tac-trong-linh-vuc-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-doi-moi-sang-tao-va-chuyen-doi-so-197250910093706288.htm