Vietnam, US boost science-technology cooperation

The 9th session of the Joint Vietnam-US Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (JCM-9) took place in Ho Chi Minh City on December 2 to review joint projects.

The discussions focused on the fields of health care, agriculture, education and research, the environment, meteorology, hydrology and storm warning.

Other domains such as intellectual property, quality standards and measurements, outer space, and nuclear energy also drew special attention from the two countries’ governments.

A workshop on Vietnam-US cooperation in promoting sustainable growth through research and innovation was held as part of the JCM-9.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan said since 2005 more than 30 joint projects have been implemented under the Vietnam-US Protocol, which contributed to enhancing Vietnamese scientists’ research and training capacity and creating a propitious environment for scientists of both sides to exchange experience and expand collaboration in research and technological transfer.

He added that Vietnam proposed new cooperation issues at the JCM-9.

The proposals include building database on the two countries’ scientists, research projects and university network; building a system to encourage starts-up in the model of the Silicon Valley, including policies and mechanisms for developing venture capital investment to support science-technology businesses; and extending the operation of the Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF), which will end in 2018, through the new form of co-investment.

Increasing cooperation with developed countries like the US will enable Vietnamese businesses to improve their competitive edge, he noted.

The head of the US delegation to the session, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Science, Space, and Health Jonathan Margolis said the US is willing to work and share experience with Vietnamese partners in various fields.

Organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City, the JCM-9 will last until December 4.