The Vietnamese Minister asked Russia to support the development of a quantum technology strategy and the formation of a joint research center

Minister Vu Hai Quan asked Russia to support the development of a strategy for developing quantum technology, and at the same time form a joint research center on strategic technologies.

At a meeting with Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov on September 8, before the Vietnam-Russia Science and Technology Forum, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan emphasized that Russia is Vietnam's "most reliable partner" in science and technology. He said he hoped that science and technology cooperation between the two countries would have new advances in the near future.

The first proposal made by Minister Vu Hai Quan was that Russia could support Vietnam in building a strategy to develop quantum technology. "From the framework strategy, the two sides will develop specific cooperation projects, including human resource training," he said.

Another proposal is to form a joint research center between the two countries, focusing on strategic technologies such as quantum, nuclear technology or artificial intelligence. The center will connect directly with businesses and be the focal point for coordinating doctoral training.

In the presence of leaders of two major universities in Vietnam, Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Ho Chi Minh City National University, he said that this cooperation does not necessarily require investing in building completely new facilities, but can take advantage of existing facilities, centered at universities in Vietnam.

"If the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam support this model, the effectiveness of cooperation will be increased," he said.

At the meeting, Minister Vu Hai Quan also noted the interest of the two countries' scientists in joint research projects. According to statistics announced at the event, the number of registration applications has tripled compared to 2023, and this year recorded four projects selected and will be implemented in the period 2027-2029. "We suggest that both sides coordinate to review the selection process to ensure that topics are implemented most effectively and continuously," he said.

Responding to the above proposals, Minister Valery Falkov said Russia agreed that the two sides should focus on areas consistent with each side's national development strategy in science and technology.

Regarding the proposal to support Vietnam in building a strategy for developing quantum technology, Mr. Falkov said the Russian side is "very interested, welcomed and fully supported". The two sides will continue to discuss this content in more detail in the near future.

Regarding the initiative to establish a joint research center, the Russian Minister said that in principle, he supports and requests that the contents be specifically discussed to be included in the draft Minutes of the meeting of the Cooperation Committee on Education, Science and Technology, expected to be held in December, in which experts will be arranged to report on quantum topics.

According to Minister Valery Falkov, Vietnam and Russia have all favorable conditions to enhance scientific cooperation, in which direct dialogue between agencies of both sides is closely maintained, joint topic selections are held regularly and many research projects are being implemented effectively.

"With joint efforts, the two sides can fully maximize cooperation mechanisms to achieve specific and practical results," Mr. Falkov said.