Linh Austin, R3 Lithium’s chairman and CEO, discussed potential cooperation during a meeting with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang in Hanoi on Monday.

Austin said Vietnam’s increasingly open investment policies and the rapid growth of electric vehicles are boosting demand for batteries and related materials.

R3 Lithium sees opportunities to work with Vietnamese companies in areas of its strength, he said, highlighting the potential for collaboration in the development of battery technologies, recycling and the processing of critical minerals.

The company aims not only to establish supply chains but also to develop an ecosystem in Vietnam for recycling and reusing batteries and critical minerals, the executive stressed.

He also spoke highly of Vietnam’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, noting that the country’s green transition could create opportunities for cooperation between R3 Lithium and local partners.

Deputy PM Thang, for his part, said Vietnam is pursuing a new development model in which science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation are key drivers. The country is also prioritizing advanced processing industries that use modern and environmentally friendly technologies.

He welcomed U.S. investment in Vietnam, saying the country’s population of more than 100 million and growing demand for cleaner transport could facilitate projects involving batteries and advanced materials.

Vietnam wants to attract not only capital but also long-term partnerships on research and development, technology transfer, and high-quality workforce training, while strengthening domestic firms’ capabilities and developing products for global markets, Thang elaborated.

He encouraged R3 Lithium to continue exploring opportunities in Vietnam and contribute to cooperation between the two countries, particularly in technology and green transition.