HÀ NỘI — A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Hà Nội on Thursday between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and its Russian counterpart on cooperation in scientific research, industrial development and innovation in the industrial sector.

The signing took place at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam–Russia Scientific Forum on Industrial, Technological and Innovation Promotion.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Trương Thanh Hoài affirmed that Russia is not only a traditional and reliable partner but also a great friend who has accompanied Việt Nam throughout the process of nation-building and national defence.

Entering a new era of national rise, Việt Nam identifies industrialisation and modernisation as central tasks, with science, technology and innovation considered top national priorities, he said.

Under development orientations toward 2030, Việt Nam aims for industry to contribute over 40 per cent of GDP, with manufacturing and processing accounting for around 30 per cent.

According to Hoài, Việt Nam is focusing on shifting its growth model toward depth, prioritising the development of energy industries, materials industries, mechanical engineering and the digital technology sector. To realise these goals, alongside domestic capacity, Việt Nam places great value on international cooperation, especially with Russia – a nation boasting a strong foundation in basic sciences and leading core technologies.

Addressing the forum, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksey Gruzdev emphasised that the forum has become a driving force and an important step forward in deepening bilateral relations, fostering trade promotion activities and expanding cooperation in industry and high technology.

In the coming period, the Russian Government will invest in supporting the development of industries such as truck manufacturing and sectors with strong growth potential like high-tech production.

Russia is also targeting a 40 per cent share of non-energy exports. By 2030, the country aims to achieve up to 90 per cent industrial self-sufficiency and become a global leader in high-tech industries.

Gruzdev noted that Russia and Việt Nam still possess significant potential for joint development. With their strong and longstanding relationship, he expressed confidence that the two nations will achieve many accomplishments in the coming time.

Hoài praised the initiative of organising the forum. With the participation of numerous administrators, experts, scientists and major enterprises such as Rosatom, Rusal and AlPharma, along with leading Vietnamese corporations, he expressed his belief that the forum will go beyond theoretical discussions and open up substantive and in-depth cooperation opportunities in the future. — VNA/VNS