Vietnam is seeking to enhance its partnership with Japan in the realm of strategic technologies, specifically targeting areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. During a meeting on September 3, Vietnamese officials from the science and technology sectors engaged in discussions with a delegation from Japan’s House of Representatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in semiconductor research, AI, energy technologies, and workforce development.
The two nations are collaborating under the NEXUS joint research program, aiming to co-fund initiatives related to semiconductor research, including chip design, advanced materials, supporting technologies, and manufacturing processes. This cooperation is set to expand beyond 2027, with Vietnam expressing a desire for Japan to contribute to the development of sovereign AI capabilities and large language models that cater to the Vietnamese language. An upcoming meeting in October, involving a joint Vietnam-Japan working group, is planned to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen business ties within the semiconductor industry.
Vietnam has proposed that the NEXUS program be turned into an annual cooperation mechanism, with an emphasis on broadening research efforts to include AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. The country is also advocating for deeper business partnerships and increased training opportunities for engineers and experts in strategic technology sectors. Japan, in response, has shown interest in Vietnam’s ambitions within the semiconductor field, as well as its labor policies and energy strategy, which includes plans for expanding nuclear power.
As part of its energy transition, Vietnam is aiming for a diversified energy mix that incorporates conventional energy, renewable sources, and nuclear power. This includes research into small modular reactors, which are part of its long-term energy strategy. The country has highlighted the need for significant investment and a highly skilled workforce to achieve these goals, and it hopes to continue its collaboration with Japan to develop the necessary energy infrastructure to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.