Viet Nam and Japan promote cooperation in semiconductors, ai, and strategic technologies

The two sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), energy, and high-quality human resource development, while aiming to strengthen the NEXUS Program, expand joint research, and enhance business connectivity in strategic technological sectors.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh highly appreciated the role of the National Diet of Japan in promoting Viet Nam - Japan relations, particularly highlighting the Committee on Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in formulating policies on science, technology, innovation, education, and human resource development.

Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh stated that science and technology cooperation between the two nations has yielded many positive results in recent times. Notably, under the NEXUS program for joint research in semiconductors, both sides are actively working toward co-funding research tasks covering semiconductor design, materials, supporting technologies, and manufacturing in 2026, with plans for expansion in 2027.

Viet Nam and Japan are also intensifying collaboration in information and communications technology (ICT). The Viet Nam - Japan Joint Working Group is scheduled to meet in late October 2026 to advance specific cooperative programs. Concurrently, both countries are broadening joint research, technology transfer in semiconductors, and business matching.

Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh requested that Japan continue supporting VIet Nam in AI development, including sovereign AI and large language models (LLMs) in the Vietnamese language.

Outlining future directions for cooperation, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh emphasized three key areas where Viet Nam seeks continued attention and support from Japan:

First, strengthening the NEXUS Program and expanding cooperation between Viet Nam and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to establish an annual structured program, while broadening its scope into technological fields where Japan possesses strong advantages, such as AI, advanced materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine.

Second, fostering closer collaboration between enterprises from both countries in implementing operational models for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Third, requesting that Japan continue supporting the training of high-quality human resources, particularly experts and chief engineers in strategic technology sectors, through flexible cooperation mechanisms.

Mr. Saito Hiroaki stated that the delegation takes a special interest in Viet Nam's science and technology development policies, particularly regarding the semiconductor industry and human resource development.

Mr. Moriyama Masahito, a member of the House of Representatives of Japan, noted that developing the semiconductor sector requires a simultaneous commitment to high-quality human resources, robust infrastructure, and a stable supply of power, energy, and water. He added that Japan is also paying close attention to Viet Nam's energy development orientation, especially its policy on nuclear power development.

Addressing this issue, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh stated that Viet Nam is working toward diversifying its energy mix by combining traditional power sources with renewable energy and nuclear power to meet long-term energy demands.

Viet Nam is also actively researching modern nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), alongside large-scale nuclear power projects.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that Viet Nam's energy transition requires substantial resources, a long timeframe, and a high-quality team of experts. VIet Nam hopes to receive continued partnership and support from Japan in this field, contributing to securing a solid energy foundation for the development of high-tech industries./.