Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Vietnam is accelerating its digital transformation agenda through international partnerships, exemplified by a recent visit to Finland by Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung. From September 23-25, the minister led a delegation to strengthen cooperation in digital infrastructure, 5G technology, and the ICT industry, meeting with key Finnish officials, businesses, and universities.
Discussions with Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne emphasised collaboration on digital infrastructure and AI applications. Both ministers stressed the importance of supporting organisations and businesses in researching and developing new technologies, training high-quality human resources, and enhancing digital transformation.
With a shared commitment to the digital economy, the two countries agreed to establish working groups for joint projects and to foster communication between their respective technical departments. This cooperation aims to boost the digital economy and ensure both countries are well-prepared for the rapid adoption of advanced technologies.
Minister Nguyen Manh Hung also met with Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment Wille-Werner Rydman. The discussions focused on expanding Vietnam-Finland cooperation in the ICT industry, with particular emphasis on research and development, digital innovation, and fostering talent. Minister Rydman underscored Finland’s priority to deepen multifaceted cooperation with
Vietnam, especially in the digital sector. He highlighted that Vietnam is among four nations where Finland offers preferential policies to attract talent and enhance educational and research collaborations.
A significant aspect of the visit involved the Finnish telecommunications giant, which has long been at the forefront of 5G technology. Minister Hung and the company’s leadership discussed development trends in 5G and research into potential 6G innovations.
The telecommunications company reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing its partnerships with Vietnamese universities and businesses, focusing on research, workforce training, and knowledge sharing. This collaboration will position Vietnam as a major player in the 5G landscape while facilitating the country’s transition to 6G in the future.
The Vietnamese delegation also visited top Finnish institutions, including the University of Oulu and Aalto University, both renowned for their research and expertise in information technology and digital innovation. These universities are set to partner with Vietnam’s Post and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) to organise leadership training programmes, collaborate on research projects, and facilitate student and faculty exchanges.
This collaboration is expected to play a critical role in advancing Vietnam’s digital transformation efforts, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly digital global economy.
Minister Hung’s delegation also explored the potential for Vietnam-Finland startup cooperation. In meetings with a leading Nordic innovation centre, the delegation discussed methods to support Vietnamese startups, enabling them to participate in Finland’s dynamic startup ecosystem.
This collaboration could help Vietnamese startups gain access to new technologies, funding opportunities, and global networks, thus fostering greater innovation within Vietnam’s burgeoning tech industry.
Additionally, during his visit to Helsinki, Minister Hung met with the Vietnamese community, including students and business leaders, sharing insights on Vietnam’s development policies. He encouraged them to continue contributing to the growing friendship between Vietnam and Finland, highlighting the key role that overseas Vietnamese play in building the country’s digital future.
Vietnam’s collaboration with Finland is a strategic step in enhancing its digital capabilities, furthering its ambition to become a leader in the global digital economy. The visit marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, with both nations committed to strengthening cooperation in digital infrastructure, AI, 5G, and ICT.
As Vietnam continues to prioritise digital transformation as a driver of economic growth, partnerships like the one with Finland will be crucial in helping the country achieve its ambitious goals for the future.