Ministry of Science and Technology and Dassault Systèmes promote cooperation in sovereign AI development in Viet Nam

Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh receives Mr. Pierre Barnabé, Chief Operating Officer of Dassault Systèmes.

The proposal was made during a working session on November 4, 2026, between the Deputy Minister and a delegation from Dassault Systèmes led by Mr. Pierre Barnabé, Chief Operating Officer of the group.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh highly appreciated the group's 20-year operation and development in Viet Nam. He acknowledged Dassault Systèmes' contributions to introducing advanced technologies - such as Digital Twin and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to Viet Nam, thereby helping local businesses enhance their capacity in design, simulation, and production management.

The working session took place as Viet Nam actively implements major guidelines and policies of the Party on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, notably Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, which identifies these areas as key drivers for national development in the new era.

According to Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh, in the next phase of development, Viet Nam expects international technology corporations not only to supply and transfer technology solutions, but also to participate deeper in co-research and co-development. This approach aims to build internal capabilities and bolster Viet Nam's technological autonomy in strategic sectors.

Overview of the working session

Mr. Pierre Barnabé highlighted Viet Nam's strategic location and its young, highly potential workforce. He affirmed that the group will continue to partner with Viet Nam in its digital transformation journey, prioritizing sectors such as transportation, liquefied natural gas (LNG), semiconductor industry, and artificial intelligence.

A key focal point of the discussion was the strategic orientation for AI infrastructure development and the creation of a sovereign AI ecosystem in Viet Nam.

Mr. Pierre Barnabé shared that effective AI development requires attention to three fundamental factors: infrastructure and technological architecture; selection and connection of suitable strategic partners; and training of high-quality human resources. These serve as essential prerequisites for establishing a sustainable AI development platform.

The representative of Dassault Systèmes expressed readiness to support Vietnamese students by granting access to specialized software at low costs to facilitate education and research.

Regarding the establishment of R&D centers and laboratories in Viet Nam, Mr. Pierre Barnabé stated that the group is planning to deploy a laboratory (Lab) at the National Innovation Center (NIC). This initiative is envisioned as a follow-up to the established Center of Excellence (CoE), aiming to promote co-financing mechanisms and in-depth research.

Additionally, Mr. Pierre Barnabé noted that the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is equipped to meet the demands of diverse business segments, ranging from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The platform integrates tools for design, simulation, and data management, thereby assisting businesses in optimizing production processes.

In response, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh welcomed the proposals, adding that Viet Nam is preparing workforce development strategies while gradually improving the legal framework regarding AI. Viet Nam is also ready to study and implement tax incentives and appropriate support policies for enterprises and individuals engaged in developing strategic tech fields.

Beside AI development and research capabilities, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh requested Dassault Systèmes to collaborate on building digital transformation models tailored to the conditions and accessibility of small and medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs) in Viet Nam. He emphasized that expanding technology access and integrating digital solutions into production and business operations across various scales play a vital role in driving substantive digital transformation and sharpening the economy's overall competitiveness.

Concluding the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges, foster cooperative ties, and coordinate to remove legal and technical bottlenecks during implementation. Joint efforts will concentrate on AI infrastructure development, technology R&D, human resource training, and digital transformation support for Vietnamese enterprises.