Both sides agreed to advance substantive cooperative programs focusing on high-potential areas that generate long-term value, including artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear power, intellectual property, human resource training, and startup networking.
Overview of the working session
"Evaluating South Korea as one of Viet Nam's key partners in science, technology, and innovation, Minister Vu Hai Quan emphasized the imperative to translate cooperative commitments and agreements into concrete programs that deliver practical outcomes and directly contribute to socio-economic development."
Regarding the Viet Nam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST) project, the Minister stated that Phase 2 of the project is scheduled for completion in late November or early December 2026, shifting the focus from infrastructure investment to the implementation of research projects capable of practical application. The Minister expressed optimism that this phase will yield pragmatic research outcomes that directly serve socio-economic growth.
In the field of AI, the Minister proposed intensifying joint research missions and advancing the project to establish a smart factory model demonstration center in Viet Nam, enabling businesses to access and master AI technology and digital transformation in manufacturing.
Regarding atomic energy, the Ministry of Science and Technology has submitted the Proposal for the Development of Atomic Energy and Atomic Energy Industry to competent authorities. The Minister invited both sides to continue exchanging expertise and technology, particularly concerning nuclear and radiation safety, alongside expert training.
Minister Vu Hai Quan speaking at the reception.
On intellectual property, the two nations need to strengthen the exchange of expertise in commercializing patents and explore the adaptation of South Korea's community-driven development model. The Minister also underscored the necessity of connecting high-quality human resources, researchers, and the startup ecosystems of both countries. To maintain coordination efficiency, the Minister proposed holding periodic consultations every three to four months to review progress, resolve bottlenecks, and agree on new cooperative agendas.
Responding to the proposals, Ambassador Lee Miyon affirmed that South Korea will coordinate preparations to establish VKIST as a sustainable research institution that makes long-term contributions to Viet Nam's science and technology sector.
Regarding AI, South Korea will promote the formation of a working group, identify implementing entities, and move toward signing a research and development (R&D) agreement. South Korea is also assessing demand to support the development of Viet Nam's AI ecosystem and applications through Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding. With the ambition of ranking among the world's top three AI superpowers, South Korea looks forward to sharing technological achievements and expanding cooperation with Viet Nam.
According to Ambassador Lee Miyon, South Korea has approximately 50 years of experience in developing and operating commercial nuclear power plants, with nuclear energy currently accounting for around 30 percent of the nation's total electricity generation. She expressed eagerness to share technological capacity and operational experience with Viet Nam, including the Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power project.
Regarding intellectual property, the Ambassador proposed expanding cooperation in data, AI applications, the commercialization of intellectual assets, intellectual property rights protection, and anti-counterfeiting measures, alongside examining the application of the K-Brand initiative to safeguard corporate branding.
Ambassador Lee Miyon, South Korean Ambassador to Vietnam, speaking at the reception.
Concerning human resources and startups, the Ambassador noted that Vietnamese students currently account for approximately 25 percent of all international students enrolled in science and engineering programs in South Korea. Next month, the South Korean Embassy plans to host a networking event connecting Vietnamese researchers and technology experts who studied in South Korea, alongside the Viet Nam-South Korea Startup Networking Day, to facilitate connections between enterprises, venture capital funds, and technology partners.
During the meeting, both parties also discussed the mutual recognition of testing results, product certifications, and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in information technology and telecommunications, aiming to renew the agreement by 2027.
The two sides agreed to continuously strengthen coordination, leverage each other's technological strengths and expertise, and ensure that Viet Nam-South Korea cooperative agreements are translated into substantive implementation that contributes to science, technology, and innovation development./.
