Vietnam is seeking to enhance its collaboration with Japan in the realm of strategic technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. This initiative also includes a push for more support in workforce development. These issues were at the forefront of discussions during a meeting on September 3 between Vietnamese science and technology officials and a delegation from Japan’s House of Representatives. The dialogue centered on semiconductor research, AI, energy technologies, and the potential for deeper cooperation between businesses in these strategic sectors.
Through the NEXUS joint research program, Vietnam and Japan are currently engaged in co-funding semiconductor research that spans chip design, advanced materials, supporting technologies, and manufacturing processes. Both nations aim to broaden their cooperation beyond 2027. Additionally, Vietnam is appealing to Japan to assist in developing sovereign AI capabilities and Vietnamese-language large language models. To advance these goals, a joint Vietnam-Japan working group is scheduled to convene in October, focused on facilitating technology transfer and strengthening business ties within the semiconductor industry.
Vietnam has proposed transforming NEXUS into an annual cooperation mechanism and expanding research efforts to include AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. The country is also advocating for closer business partnerships and enhanced training programs for engineers and experts in strategic technology fields. Japan has expressed its interest in Vietnam’s semiconductor development, labor policies, and long-term energy strategy, particularly its plans to expand nuclear power capabilities.
Vietnam is committed to pursuing a diversified energy mix that integrates conventional energy sources, renewables, and nuclear power, including research into small modular reactors. This energy transition is expected to require substantial investment and a highly skilled workforce. Consequently, Vietnam is hopeful that Japan will continue to be a key partner in developing the necessary energy infrastructure to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.