The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and Google have announced plans to collaborate on  research and development of quantum technology and to support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam through artificial intelligence (AI).

The two parties have agreed to establish a joint working group to formalize and implement these cooperation initiatives.

The agreement was reached during a meeting on July 17 between Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Pham Duc Long, and Google’s Vice President for Emerging Markets, Mr. Doron Avni.

Mr. Avni expressed Google’s readiness to deepen its partnership in the discussed areas.

He highlighted several of Google’s successful international projects, including an AI training program for 55,000 government officials in the UAE, the “Green Light” project in Bangkok that optimizes traffic signals using Google Maps data, and a personalized AI education initiative for students in over 100 schools in Thailand.

In Vietnam, Google has already launched basic AI training programs for businesses and the public, with plans to expand support through scholarships and exchange programs for Vietnamese scientists.

Deputy Minister Long reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to implementing the Politburo's Resolution 57-NQ/TW and the Government's Resolution 71/NQ-CP, which aim to transform Vietnam into a developed, high-income country by 2045. He noted that Vietnam is currently drafting a national AI strategy with the goal of universalizing AI knowledge and skills.

The Deputy Minister proposed that Google partner with MoST to implement AI skills training programs and support technological solutions such as the “Green Light” project to address traffic congestion in major cities.

“Without AI, you cannot talk about digital transformation. And truly innovative enterprises will be the driving force for Vietnam’s economic growth in the coming time,” stated Mr. Long.