Vietnam is seeking to deepen its collaboration with Japan in strategic technology sectors, emphasizing areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. This initiative was a focal point of discussions held on September 3 between Vietnamese officials and a delegation from Japan’s House of Representatives. The meeting explored avenues for enhancing semiconductor research, advancing AI and energy technologies, fostering workforce development, and strengthening business ties within these crucial industries.
Through the NEXUS joint research program, Vietnam and Japan are co-funding semiconductor research, focusing on chip design, advanced materials, and manufacturing technologies. Both nations aim to broaden this partnership starting in 2027. Additionally, Vietnam is advocating for Japan’s support in developing sovereign AI capabilities and Vietnamese-language large language models. An upcoming joint working group meeting in October between the two countries is expected to further technology transfer and reinforce business relationships in the semiconductor domain.
Vietnam proposed the expansion of NEXUS into an annual cooperation framework, suggesting a broader scope that includes AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. The country also emphasized the need for closer business partnerships and enhanced training programs to cultivate a highly skilled workforce in these strategic technology fields. Japan, in turn, expressed interest in Vietnam’s semiconductor initiatives, labor policies, and long-term energy strategies, particularly as they relate to nuclear power expansion plans.
As part of its energy strategy, Vietnam is committed to a diversified energy mix that encompasses conventional sources, renewable energy, and nuclear power, including research on small modular reactors. The Vietnamese government has indicated that this energy transition will necessitate substantial investment and a highly trained workforce. Vietnam hopes that Japan will continue to play a pivotal role in developing the necessary energy infrastructure to support the growth of its high-tech industries.
