Vietnam is seeking to enhance its collaborative efforts with Japan in the realms of strategic technologies, specifically focusing on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. The call for increased cooperation was a primary agenda during discussions held on September 3 between Vietnamese science and technology officials and a delegation from Japan’s House of Representatives. The meeting centered around semiconductor research, AI, energy technologies, and strengthening ties between businesses in these critical sectors.
As part of the NEXUS joint research programme, Vietnam and Japan are co-funding initiatives that delve into semiconductor research, encompassing chip design, advanced materials, supporting technologies, and manufacturing processes. Plans are in place to expand this cooperation further beginning in 2027. Additionally, Vietnam expressed a desire for Japan’s assistance in developing sovereign AI capabilities and Vietnamese-language large language models. An upcoming meeting of a joint Vietnam-Japan working group in October aims to facilitate technology transfer and fortify business connections in the semiconductor industry.
Vietnam has proposed transforming NEXUS into an annual cooperation platform, with an expanded focus on AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. The country is also advocating for stronger business partnerships and enhanced training programs for highly skilled engineers and experts in these strategic technology fields.
Japan has shown interest in Vietnam’s semiconductor development, labor policies, and comprehensive energy strategy, which includes plans to expand nuclear power. Vietnam, for its part, is pursuing a diversified energy mix that integrates conventional energy sources with renewables and nuclear power, including research into small modular reactors. The country acknowledges that its energy transition will necessitate significant investment and a highly skilled workforce, expressing optimism that Japan will remain a crucial partner in developing the necessary energy infrastructure to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.