Overview of the working session
On the morning of October 22, 2026, in Ha Noi, Minister Vu Hai Quan received Mr. Iain Frew, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Viet Nam, to discuss orientation for cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between the two countries.
During the reception, Ambassador Iain Frew reported that the UK Government's International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) has become an organized and effective cooperation mechanism between British and Vietnamese scientists. The program has supported the implementation of 46 joint research projects and awarded 29 research fellowships to Vietnamese scientists, focusing on healthcare, agriculture, digital transformation, and technology commercialization.
For Phase 2 of the ISPF, the UK has finalized funding allocations for nine multilateral programs, which includes the £60,000 ODA project "Capacity Building for Science, Technology, and Innovation Planning for Viet Nam" supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This initiative was proposed by the Viet Nam Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Viet Nam to enhance policy-making capabilities in science, technology, and innovation.
Minister Vu Hai Quan receives Mr. Iain Frew, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Viet Nam
Highly appreciating the effectiveness of cooperation with the UK, Minister Vu Hai Quan stated that these programs have contributed to fostering research and developing Viet Nam's scientific human resources. The Minister emphasized that science, technology, and innovation serve as vital drivers in Viet Nam's new development model, where AI, energy, and climate change response technologies are all recognized as strategic technology sectors.
The Minister proposed that both sides select key research projects involving resource contributions from both Viet Nam and the UK, aiming toward joint product development and shared outcomes.
Minister Vu Hai Quan expressed his wish for the Ministry of Science and Technology to remain a trusted partner of the British Embassy, working closely together to bring scientific, technological, and innovative cooperation initiatives between the two nations into reality./.
