On May 6, Vietnam and Kazakhstan inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on technology cooperation, innovation, and digital transformation, setting the stage for joint projects in digital government, smart cities, and the ICT sector.

The signing was done during the official state visit of Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam to Kazakhstan. The MoU was signed by Vietnam Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung and Kazakhstan Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Madiyev Zhaslan.

As stated by the Ministry of Science and Technology, this is the first official deal between the two nations on technology and innovation. It lays down the foundation for Vietnam-Kazakhstan joint implementation of programs in digital government, smart urban infrastructure, ICT industry, aerospace technology, and technological business networking.

Before the signing, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung had bilateral meetings with Kazakhstan's Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry and with Minister of Science and Education, Nurbek Sayasat.

During his meeting with Minister Madiyev Zhaslan, the two parties shared policy orientations and cooperation priorities. They also supported joint organization of the ASEAN-Central Asia Digital Forum, organizing thematic workshops on smart cities and e-government services, and organizing digital business forums in every country.

In talks with Minister Nurbek Sayasat, the two officials concentrated on policies to develop effective scientific research, especially in universities. They decided to expand research network linkages, exchange information, and collaborate on implementing research projects in priority areas of importance.

Regarding artificial intelligence (AI) development, both ministers devoted considerable time discussing strategic approaches to seize opportunities from the AI revolution for countries like Vietnam and Kazakhstan. They emphasized developing domain-specific AI solutions, expanding AI literacy, and integrating AI as a formal subject in university curricula.

The two sides also agreed to coordinate with competent authorities to set up a joint subcommittee on scientific and technological cooperation. This mechanism will push forward pragmatic cooperation activities in the near term.