State-owned Petrovietnam and China's Huawei Technologies discussed potential cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and digital energy infrastructure during a meeting last week, as the Vietnamese giant seeks to modernize its operations and expand into new energy sectors.

At a meeting with Yi Xiang, senior vice president of Huawei, in Hanoi, Le Ngoc Son, chairman of Petrovietnam, noted that Petrovietnam had recently transformed from Vietnam Oil and Gas Group into Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group, reflecting a broader strategic focus spanning upstream, midstream and downstream operations.

Under its new development strategy, Petrovietnam is pursuing three pillars – energy as core, industry and high-tech services – while expanding beyond conventional energy into areas such as offshore wind power and nuclear energy.

Le Ngoc Son, chairman of Petrovietnam, and Yi Xiang, senior vice president of Huawei, Hanoi, June 10, 2026. Photo courtesy of Petrovietnam.

Son stressed that digital transformation and technological innovation have become key drivers for improving corporate governance, optimizing operations, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening the group's competitiveness.

"Petrovietnam is therefore seeking to deepen cooperation with leading technology companies such as Huawei to support innovation and its ambition of becoming a modern, internationally competitive industrial and energy group," he added.

Yi Xiang said Huawei's core businesses include information and communications technology infrastructure, cloud computing, AI, industrial connectivity, digital energy and smart technology solutions.

He noted Huawei is increasing investment in research and development, particularly in semiconductor chips, AI, computing technologies and digital energy, and has already deployed digital transformation solutions for more than 30 oil and gas companies worldwide.

According to Yi Xiang, Huawei is particularly interested in technological applications relevant to Petrovietnam's operations, including oil and gas exploration and production, pipeline management, operational safety, new energy development and enterprise data infrastructure.

He expressed hope that the two companies would continue discussions and identify cooperation opportunities based on Petrovietnam's operational needs and Huawei's technological capabilities.

Representatives of Petrovietnam (right) and Huawei at their meeting in Hanoi on June 10, 2026. Photo courtesy of Petrovietnam.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing technical-level working groups to evaluate pilot projects that would ensure operational effectiveness, data security and alignment with Petrovietnam's long-term development strategy.