On May 6, Vietnam and Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in technology, innovation, and digital transformation, laying the foundation for collaborative projects in digital government, smart cities, and the ICT industry.
The signing took place during Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam’s official state visit to Kazakhstan. The MoU was signed by Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology, Nguyen Manh Hung, and Kazakhstan's Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, Madiyev Zhaslan.
Minister Nguyen Manh Hung and Minister Madiyev Zhaslan exchange the signed MoU, witnessed by Party General Secretary To Lam and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology
Minister Nguyen Manh Hung and Minister Madiyev Zhaslan at their meeting. Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology
Minister Nguyen Manh Hung and Minister Nurbek Sayasat at their meeting. Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, this is the first official agreement between the two countries in the fields of technology and innovation. It sets the groundwork for joint implementation of programs on digital government, smart urban infrastructure, ICT industries, aerospace technology, and technological business networking between Vietnam and Kazakhstan.
Prior to the signing, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung held bilateral meetings with Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, and with Minister of Science and Education, Nurbek Sayasat.
In his meeting with Minister Madiyev Zhaslan, the two sides exchanged policy directions and cooperation priorities. They also agreed on co-hosting the ASEAN-Central Asia Digital Forum, conducting thematic workshops on smart cities and online public services, and organizing digital business forums in each country.
During discussions with Minister Nurbek Sayasat, the two officials focused on policies to promote effective scientific research, particularly at universities. They agreed to strengthen research network connections, share information, and jointly implement research projects in key priority areas.
Regarding artificial intelligence (AI) development, both ministers devoted considerable time discussing strategic approaches to seize opportunities from the AI revolution for countries like Vietnam and Kazakhstan. They emphasized developing domain-specific AI solutions, expanding AI literacy, and integrating AI as a formal subject in university curricula.
Both parties also agreed to coordinate with relevant agencies to establish a joint subcommittee on science and technology cooperation. This mechanism will drive practical collaborative activities in the near future./.
