Vietnam is aiming to bolster its collaboration with Japan in the realm of strategic technologies, placing a particular focus on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. This initiative also seeks to enhance workforce development through increased support. The matter was brought to the table during a meeting on September 3, involving Vietnamese science and technology officials and members of Japan’s House of Representatives. Discussions concentrated on a range of topics including semiconductor research, AI, energy technologies, and fostering closer ties between businesses in these strategic tech sectors.
As part of the NEXUS joint research program, Vietnam and Japan are co-funding semiconductor research, which encompasses chip design, advanced materials, supporting technologies, and the manufacturing process. The two nations have expressed ambitions to deepen their cooperation in these areas starting from 2027. Moreover, Vietnam is seeking Japan’s assistance in building sovereign AI capabilities and developing large language models in Vietnamese. To facilitate this, a joint Vietnam-Japan working group plans to convene in October to advance technology transfer and strengthen business relationships in the semiconductor industry.
Vietnam has proposed turning NEXUS into an annual cooperation framework, aiming to extend research into areas such as AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. Additionally, the country seeks to form closer business partnerships and enhance training for highly skilled engineers and experts in these strategic technology domains. On their part, Japan has displayed interest in Vietnam’s semiconductor development, labor policies, and long-term energy strategy, which includes plans to expand nuclear power capabilities.
Vietnam is pursuing a diversified energy mix strategy that combines conventional energy sources, renewables, and nuclear power, alongside research into small modular reactors. The country acknowledges that its energy transition will demand substantial investment and a highly skilled workforce, expressing hope that Japan will remain a pivotal partner in building the energy infrastructure necessary to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.