The Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC C4IR) and a delegation from the City of Tampere, Finland, have signed a bilateral cooperation agreement, committing to promote innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and smart city development.

A delegation from Tampere, led by Deputy Mayor Jouni Markkanen, visited and worked with HCMC C4IR on May 21. During the discussions, both sides identified several potential areas for enhanced cooperation, with smart manufacturing highlighted as a core shared interest.

HCMC C4IR is currently developing a smart manufacturing capability assessment platform and expects it to become a connection point for Finnish businesses by late 2025 or early 2026.

Furthermore, both sides expressed interest in artificial intelligence. Finland has already established a legal framework and AI strategy, while Ho Chi Minh City is researching and developing its own policy framework.

The signed agreement outlines collaboration on sharing smart manufacturing assessment tools and exchanging experiences in building AI ecosystems and appropriate legal frameworks.

Tampere will support the transfer of expertise in digitizing construction processes and developing advanced materials, while Ho Chi Minh City will share its model for applying IoT and 5G in seaport operations. Additionally, both parties agreed to develop a joint startup network and organize international networking events.