In a recent meeting, Vietnam has emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration with Japan in key technological areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. During discussions held on September 3, Vietnamese science and technology officials engaged with representatives from Japan’s House of Representatives to explore avenues for strengthened cooperation. Key topics included semiconductor research, AI advancements, energy technologies, and workforce development, with a focus on fostering closer ties between businesses in these strategic sectors.
Vietnam and Japan are actively participating in the NEXUS joint research program, which aims to co-fund initiatives in semiconductor research, including chip design, advanced materials, and manufacturing technologies. The countries are looking to expand their partnership further from 2027. Vietnam has expressed a desire for Japan to aid in developing its sovereign AI capabilities and creating Vietnamese-language large language models. An upcoming meeting of a joint Vietnam-Japan working group in October is expected to advance technology transfer and strengthen business connections in the semiconductor industry.
Expanding the NEXUS program into an annual cooperation mechanism was among Vietnam’s proposals, along with broadening research efforts to include AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. The Vietnamese government is also advocating for closer business partnerships and enhanced training for engineers and experts in strategic technology sectors. Japan has shown interest in Vietnam’s ambitions for semiconductor development, as well as its labor policies and long-term energy strategy, which includes plans for nuclear power expansion.
Vietnam is pursuing a comprehensive energy transition strategy that incorporates conventional energy sources, renewable options, and nuclear power, including exploration into small modular reactors. The country acknowledges that this transition will require substantial investment and a highly skilled workforce. Vietnam is hopeful that Japan will continue to be a pivotal partner in developing the necessary energy infrastructure to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.