Director General of the European Department, under Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bui Ha Nam emphasizsd that Vietnam has issued numerous guidelines and policies to promote the development of science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green growth. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

The seminar gathered over 100 delegates representing various ministries, sectors, and localities; the Delegation of the European Union (EU), Embassies of EU member states, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland in Vietnam; numerous research institutes, universities, associations, businesses, and experts from both domestic and international backgrounds.

In his opening remarks, Director General of the European Department Bui Ha Nam emphasised that in the context of global competition and strong digital and green transitions, science, technology, innovation, and green growth have become crucial drivers for enhancing competitiveness and sustainable development of each nation.

Vietnam has issued numerous guidelines and policies to promote the development of science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green growth, considering them as important drivers for creating breakthroughs in sustainable socio-economic development in the new era.

Emphasizing that Europe is a leading region in innovation, green transition, and circular economy, representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the experiences of European partners will serve as important references, helping Vietnam to refine policies, promote technology transfer, and expand cooperation in priority areas.

In the context of continuously strengthened and developed relations between Vietnam and European countries, with milestones such as the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the EU, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the UK, along with the Comprehensive Partnership with Switzerland, cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and green growth is expected to continue to be one of the important pillars of bilateral relations between Vietnam and these countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to play a pioneering role in implementing economic diplomacy and diplomacy in science and technology, contributing to effectively mobilizing international resources for national development.

Mr. Rafael De Bustamante, Chargé d'affaires of the EU Delegation in Hanoi, speaking at the seminar. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

With two discussion sessions on the topics "Breakthrough Development in Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation: Experiences from Some European Partners and Lessons for Vietnam" and "Green Growth: Experiences from Some European Partners and Policy Implications for Vietnam in the New Era", speakers from European diplomatic missions in Vietnam, universities, research institutes, professional associations, and businesses from Vietnam and Europe engaged in extensive exchanges, sharing many practical experiences, successful models, and proposing new cooperation directions.

The EU Delegation introduced research and innovation cooperation programs between the EU and Vietnam, affirming its commitment to accompany Vietnam in developing an innovation ecosystem, enhancing research capacity, technology transfer, and training high-quality human resources.

The Italian Embassy shared Italy's experiences in promoting innovation for building an advanced defense industry, while also introducing innovation support policies for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta speaking at the event. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

The Danish and UK Embassies shared experiences in climate policy development, renewable energy development, green finance mobilization, and promoting energy transition. The speakers emphasized the importance of long-term vision, stable policies, innovation, and public-private cooperation in achieving net-zero emissions goals.

A representative from the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) shared about France's innovation and green growth strategy, emphasizing the role of international cooperation in research development, high-quality human resource training, and technology transfer.

For their part, a representative from the World Energy Council (WEC) analyzed international market requirements for greening supply chains, while discussing opportunities and challenges for Vietnamese businesses in integrating and enhancing competitiveness in the global green supply chain.

A representative from Maersk/APM Terminals Group of Denmark introduced experiences in developing green logistics, reducing emissions in port operations and supply chains through equipment electrification, the use of clean fuels, and digital transformation.

From practical implementation in many countries, businesses proposed that Vietnam continue to refine policies, develop green logistics infrastructure, and create favorable conditions for businesses to invest in low-emission technologies.

Overview of the Seminar. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Alongside international experiences, Vietnamese researchers and experts from the University of Technology - Vietnam National University, the Academy of Strategy and Personnel Training (Ministry of Construction), the Institute of Innovation and Sustainable Development - University of Commerce, the Vietnam Automation Association (VAA), etc., also shared numerous recommendations for effectively applying European lessons to Vietnam's development practice.

Accordingly, Vietnam needs to invest long-term in basic research, develop research universities, build an innovation ecosystem connecting the State, research institutions, universities, and businesses, support small and medium-sized enterprises, establish evaluation standards to enhance competitiveness and participate more deeply in the global value chain; at the same time, it is necessary to promote knowledge transfer, develop green transportation, continue to refine institutions, enhance policy implementation effectiveness, leverage the role of digital transformation, green finance, and strengthen international cooperation to promote sustainable development.

Due to time constraints, many speakers submitted their papers to the Organizing Committee but were unable to present them during the seminar. Ms. Truong Thi Ny, Special Commissioner and Representative of the European Economic Development Council (EEDC), shared that the EEDC stands ready to work alongside the Vietnamese Government, ministries, sectors, localities, the business community, and international partners in promoting investment connectivity, facilitating technology transfer, developing high-quality human resources, and advancing innovation initiatives in pursuit of green growth and sustainable development.

Ms. Truong Thi Ny (second from right), Special Commissioner and Representative of the European Economic Development Council (EEDC), with delegates at the seminar.

She emphasised that green growth is not merely a development strategy but also a commitment to future generations. Vietnam, she said, seeks not only to attract investment but also to work with European partners to create sustainable value, where investment is built on trust, technology is shared through cooperation, and success is measured by meaningful contributions to society. "This is also the mission that the EEDC has consistently pursued as a bridge connecting Vietnam with the European business community," she said.

Ms. Ny expressed confidence that, with a spirit of cooperation, innovation, and shared development, Vietnam will continue to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for green investment while becoming a trusted strategic partner of the European business community on the path toward a green, inclusive, and sustainable economy.

Participants assessed that the seminar provided many practical experiences and recommendations, not only contributing to the policy refinement process of Vietnam but also opening up many cooperation opportunities in scientific research, technology transfer, human resource development, energy transition, green logistics, and sustainable development.

The seminar affirmed the determination of Vietnam and European partners to promote cooperation in innovation and green growth, leveraging each side's strengths and effectively mobilizing resources to serve the goal of rapid, sustainable development in the new era.

Some images from the event