Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Stephan Mergenthaler in Ho Chi Minh City, November 26, 2025 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

During his meeting with Stephan Mergenthaler, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Prime Minister thanked WEF for its assistance in organizing the forum, noting that Mergenthaler's remarks added momentum and depth to the forum.

Pham also hailed WEF's assistance in launching the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City, and suggested that WEF expand cooperation with Viet Nam in science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, green transition, macro-economic governance, economic resilience, human resource development—particularly in science and technology—and start-up ecosystem development. He also sought WEF's support for Viet Nam to build an International Financial Center.

The Prime Minister proposed that WEF consider making the Autumn Economic Forum an annual event, and enhance linkages between its global business network and Vietnamese enterprises, especially private firms. Emphasizing that the private sector is the key engine of the national economy, he affirmed that the Government stands ready to help WEF connect with domestic private businesses and build a business partner network in Viet Nam.

Mergenthaler expressed sympathies over the devastating consequences of recent storms and floods in central Viet Nam and praised the Prime Minister's keynote speech at the forum, saying it showcased Viet Nam's long-term vision and economic dynamism, aligned with WEF's priorities, and opened new avenues for cooperation. He affirmed that WEF, with its extensive global network, will continue to support Viet Nam and strengthen engagement with Vietnamese private enterprises.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang in Ho Chi Minh City, November 26, 2025 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Seeking stronger cooperation with Malaysia in science, technology and innovation

Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang, Prime Minister Pham noted substantial progress in bilateral economic and science–technology cooperation, especially in energy and renewable power, while underscoring considerable potential for further collaboration and opportunities to jointly build new strategic value chains.

The Prime Minister called for increased delegation exchanges at all levels; enhanced energy and electricity connectivity among Viet Nam, Malaysia, Singapore and other ASEAN countries; and greater regional tourism linkages. Viet Nam is willing to support Malaysia in ensuring food security, and hopes Malaysia will continue assisting Viet Nam in developing its Halal industry.

He also called for stronger cooperation in science, technology and innovation, particularly in semiconductors, high technology, new materials, AI, open data, cloud computing and digital payments. He encouraged deeper connections between the two countries' start-up ecosystems and more exchanges of students and scientists to strengthen human resource development.

Minister Chang extended condolences over recent natural disaster losses in Viet Nam and thanked Viet Nam for supporting Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. He affirmed that both countries share a strong commitment to advancing science and technology, and that Malaysia values cooperation with Viet Nam in talent exchange, start-up development and fostering scientific and technological breakthroughs.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Cambodian Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy in Ho Chi Minh City, November 26, 2025 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Viet Nam, Cambodia focus on experience sharing and human resource development

At his meeting with Cambodian Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) Hem Vanndy, Prime Minister Pham conveyed greetings to Cambodian leaders and welcomed the continued growth of bilateral relations.

He stressed that Party-to-Party ties have strengthened mutual trust and laid a foundation for broader cooperation. Security and defense cooperation remains a key pillar, while economic cooperation has become a highlight, with bilateral trade projected to surpass US$12 billion in 2025.

Emphasizing the need to further deepen cooperation in all areas, he welcomed progress between MISTI and the Viet Nam's Ministry of Science and Technology, and called on the two sides to intensify collaboration in digital transformation, focusing on experience sharing and human resource development.

Viet Nam, he affirmed, stands ready to support Cambodia in building a digital economy and digital society through sharing policy experience, developing digital infrastructure and providing digital skills training, contributing to closer traditional friendship. With the determination of both governments and efforts of relevant ministries and agencies, he expressed confidence in even stronger Viet Nam–Cambodia ties.

Minister Hem Vanndy congratulated Viet Nam on successful organization of the Autumn Economic Forum, saying it will help advance green transition, economic openness and digital and green development in the region. He expressed admiration for Viet Nam's development—especially its vision to transform Ho Chi Minh City into a megacity driven by science, technology and digital transformation—and called for closer cooperation in these fields, affirming his confidence in the enduring friendship and shared future of the two nations./.