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The Consulate General of Vietnam in Frankfurt, Germany and the Vietnam – Germany Innovation Network (VGInetwork) are exploring the potential for collaboration between the two countries in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, and the development of smart cities. Given Germany’s proficiency in digital technology and Vietnam’s substantial information technology workforce, AI stands out as a highly promising collaboration focus, holding the potential for practical benefits for both countries.
A jointly organised symposium was organised to disseminate information on emerging technologies, contributing to the advancement of priority economic and technical sectors in Vietnam, particularly AI and smart city development.
Consul General Le Quang Long commended the growth of VGInetwork and its extension to experts in southwestern Germany and the organisation’s efforts to enhance innovation cooperation between the two sides. It was proposed that a Techfest or IT Day of Vietnam should be held in Germany next year to foster connections between the startup and innovation ecosystems of the two countries.
Dr Nguyen Xuan Thinh, head of the spatial information management and modelling research group at the Technical University of Dortmund emphasised the noteworthy initiatives of the network and underscored the potential for collaboration between the countries in the development of smart cities and smart buildings.
The government is actively promoting international collaboration to seek support and exchange knowledge for the development of smart cities in Vietnam. It aims to advance urban governance by implementing digitised features in areas like transportation and energy.
In June, Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) held an event to foster engagement in the smart city and blockchain industry. It offered a platform for representatives from both sides to discuss the development of a business network between the two countries.
Kwon Young Gull, Chairman of the National Architectural Policy Committee under the Office of the President of the RoK, noted that building a smart city goes beyond infrastructure development; it involves bolstering creative businesses with advanced science and technology. Encouraging collaboration between businesses and individuals in both the public and private sectors is crucial to achieving synchronisation and effectively promoting technological advancements.
He proposed that Vietnam should formulate a “Design Vietnam” strategy to systematically implement solutions for planning, appearance design, and urban quality, mirroring the approach taken by the Republic of Korea in transforming Seoul into a smart city.
According to him, major cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City need to join urban alliances in the region so that they can share and learn experience in designing and implementing smart urban models.
More recently, Ho Chi Minh City and the Wellington City Council in New Zealand held a meeting to discuss collaboration and mutual assistance in the development of smart urban areas. Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh Municipal People’s Council, Nguyen Van Dung, noted that the Vietnamese southern hub is carrying out the National Assembly’s Resolution No 98. It pilots special mechanisms and policies for the city’s development, focussing on investment attraction, boosting the startup ecosystem, and innovation.
A representative from the Wellington City Council expressed hope that both sides would share information to enhance services for residents and businesses. Additionally, the representative affirmed Wellington’s readiness to share its experiences with Ho Chi Minh City in the development of smart urban areas.
