27 May 2026
EU and Vietnam deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation
The European Commission and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology have signed a letter of intent to strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation. Signed in Hanoi during Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva’s visit, the agreement builds on the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the EU and Vietnam. It highlights both sides’ ambition to make science, technology and innovation a stronger pillar of their cooperation and to support competitiveness, resilience and sustainable growth.
The new step is expected to boost collaboration between researchers, universities, startups, industry and public institutions. It also aims to expand researcher mobility, encourage knowledge exchange, promote innovation partnerships and strengthen links between research and industry.
Vietnam is already an active participant in Horizon Europe, contributing to projects in digital technologies, health and green innovation. So far, Vietnamese organisations and researchers have recorded 32 participations and 29 signed grants under the programme.
The EU’s upgraded partnership with Vietnam is particularly significant, as it marks the first Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the EU and an ASEAN country. Vietnam is also the EU’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and one of the region’s fastest-growing economies.
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