Vietnam PM Calls for Accelerated Development of Strategic Technologies

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng on Monday stressed the need to accelerate the development of strategic technologies capable of producing commercially viable products with high added value and strong localisation rates in 2026 to enhance labour productivity and strengthen the competitiveness of the national economy.

Speaking at a ceremony marking Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Day and a national conference on strategic technology development in Hanoi, the Prime Minister said science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are key drivers for achieving Vietnam’s long-term development goals.

He noted that Vietnam aims to become a modern industrialised nation by 2030 and a high-income developed country by 2045, emphasizing that strategic technologies would play a central role in realizing these ambitions.

At the event, Vũ Hải Quân, Minister of Science and Technology, said unlocking resources across the national innovation ecosystem is essential for ensuring that science, technology and innovation become genuine engines of development.

He stressed the importance of establishing a modern, transparent and stable institutional framework that encourages creativity and innovation, while also reforming management approaches in the science and technology sector.

According to the minister, innovation must be linked with experimentation and a willingness to accept uncertainty and potential failure. He said the ministry is continuing efforts to improve regulations through a controlled risk-acceptance approach, while promoting greater autonomy for scientific organizations, reforming financial mechanisms, strengthening the science and technology market, protecting intellectual property rights and supporting innovative enterprises and startups.

The conference featured presentations focused on mastering core technologies, developing digital platforms and commercialising Vietnamese technology products in areas including cloud computing, cybersecurity, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

Prime Minister Hưng said the annual observance not only honours scientists, intellectuals and entrepreneurs for their contributions to research and innovation, but also serves to inspire pride in Vietnamese creativity and scientific achievement, particularly among younger generations.

He praised generations of researchers, scientists and public servants for their dedication to advancing science and technology both domestically and abroad.

The Prime Minister called on the Ministry of Science and Technology to work closely with government agencies, local authorities, businesses, research institutes and universities to implement national science, technology and digital transformation strategies effectively.

He stressed that businesses, universities and research institutes should remain at the centre of Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem and urged ministries and sectors to quickly launch programmes supporting the development of core technologies and strategic products.

Highlighting the need for stronger policy support, Hưng said authorities must urgently remove financial and regulatory bottlenecks affecting science, technology and innovation while prioritising resources for strategic technologies and technology enterprises.

He also called for the expansion of innovation-focused capital markets, venture capital funds and support mechanisms for startups.

According to the Prime Minister, the State should play a leading role in guiding research and development efforts, connecting stakeholders and serving as the “first buyer” of strategic technology products that meet national standards.

He further emphasized the importance of increasing localisation rates, improving added value and strengthening the global competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises.

The Prime Minister underscored the need to build technology enterprises capable of competing internationally and leading in strategic sectors, while also promoting international cooperation and technology transfer from foreign-invested companies operating in Vietnam.

He called for greater engagement with overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and experts and stressed that human resource development, especially high-quality talent, must remain a top priority.

Prime Minister Hưng urged the creation of breakthrough mechanisms to identify, train, attract and effectively utilise talented individuals, particularly leading experts, young scientists and technology specialists.

He also called for a shift away from symbolic or formalistic approaches toward generating tangible products, measurable results and real economic value.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to removing obstacles and creating favourable conditions for science, technology, innovation and digital transformation to become major pillars of Vietnam’s future development.