(MPI) - Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Duc Tam hold a reception for Beh Kian Teik, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam in Hanoi on February 7.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Duc Tam (fifth from R), Chief Executive Officer of A*STAR Beh Kian Teik (sixth from L), and Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam (fifth from L). Photo: MPI

Deputy Minister Nguyen Duc Tam emphasised that the Vietnam-Singapore relationship has continuously developed and achieved many important milestones, specifically through numerous cooperative activities between the National Innovation Center (NIC), under Ministry of Planning and Investment, and A*STAR, as well as the potential and opportunities for innovative cooperation in the future.

The deputy minister thanked Singapore for assisting Vietnam in developing industrial zones and export processing zones, and helping logistics enterprises integrate more deeply into the international community. He expressed his hope for more cooperative opportunities between NIC and A*STAR in the time ahead, such as enhancing connectivity, sharing, and exchanging experiences in startup development, suitable development models, and researching smart manufacturing center models at NIC Hoa Lac.

He also asked A*STAR to intensify its support for Vietnamese enterprises in developing science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, smart manufacturing, and priority technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Deputy Minister Tam said that, the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are decisive factors for the development of countries; these are prerequisite conditions and the best opportunities for Vietnam to become prosperous and powerful in the new era - the era of national rise as stated in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.

He urged A*STAR continue to support Vietnam in implementing key tasks such as continuing to exchange startups, promoting innovative activities, and implementing startup programmes with NIC.

Both sides exchanged and discussed extensively about the major orientations and measures to enhance cooperation between the two sides, as well as to elevate the Vietnam-Singapore relationship in the future.

A*STAR CEO Beh Kian Teik expressed his pleasure and readiness for deeper and more comprehensive cooperation with NIC to identify areas of cooperation that align with the orientations and needs of both sides. ASTAR also hoped that in 2025, A*STAR, ARTC and NIC will have specific programmes and products to realise the commitments made./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment