Vietnam, Australia to Make Tech Co-Creation a Strategic Partnership Pillar
President To Lam proposes a shift toward joint R&D to drive Vietnam's goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045.
Vietnam is elevating its diplomatic and economic ties with Australia by integrating high-tech innovation into the core of their bilateral relations. During a state visit to Australia on August 10, Vietnam's Party General Secretary and State President To Lam proposed that science, technology, and innovation become a new pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Addressing the Vietnam–Australia Techconnect Forum in Sydney, President To Lam outlined a vision that moves beyond traditional technology transfer. He emphasized a transition toward "co-creation" and joint research and development (R&D). This strategic pivot is designed to move Vietnam from a recipient of foreign technology to an active partner in developing it. To support this increased connectivity, Vietjet has signed an agreement to launch a direct flight route from Ho Chi Minh City to Western Sydney International Airport beginning in January 2027.
A Blueprint for National Growth
This initiative is a critical component of Vietnam's broader national ambition to transition into a high-income developed nation by 2045. The Vietnamese government has identified digital transformation, innovation, and science as the primary engines for this economic leap. The proposal aligns specifically with Politburo Resolution 57-NQ/TW, issued on December 22, 2024, which mandates breakthroughs in national digital transformation and technological innovation.
To achieve these goals, the two countries have identified several priority fields for cooperation. These include artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, cybersecurity, and quantum technology. Additionally, the partnership will target biotechnology, clean energy, and marine technology to leverage the strengths of both nations.
Moving Up the Value Chain
For Vietnam, the shift toward co-creation represents a strategic effort to climb the global value chain. By linking its innovation ecosystem with Australia's, Vietnam aims to secure positions with higher added value rather than relying on low-cost manufacturing or simple assembly.
"Vietnam is shifting strongly from the goal of attracting investment to 'cooperation for mutual development'; from receiving technology to 'co-creating technology'; and from participating in value chains to gradually securing positions with higher added value within global value chains," President To Lam stated.
This evolution is expected to increase regional competitiveness and economic resilience for both partners. By focusing on critical sectors like semiconductors and AI, the two nations can reduce dependencies on single-source suppliers and foster a more robust technological corridor in the Indo-Pacific.
Future Outlook
As the partnership evolves, the focus will shift toward implementing the joint R&D frameworks proposed in Sydney. Observers will be watching for the establishment of specific joint ventures and research centers that materialize the "co-creation" philosophy. While the strategic framework is now set, the success of this new pillar will depend on the speed of regulatory alignment and the ability of private sector firms in both countries to engage in high-stakes technological collaboration.