Quan spoke at the seminar “Making Space Technology a New Development Driver,” organized on July 24 in Hanoi. The former Chair of the Vietnam Space Committee noted that the Politburo’s Resolution 57 correctly emphasizes the role of space technology.

The PM has also issued Decision 131, identifying strategic technologies and products that Vietnam focuses on for development, including space technology and products suited to Vietnam’s economic capacity and needs.

Quan noted that space technology is critically important to Vietnam’s and the global economy, especially amid global armed conflicts. Major nations cannot achieve their goals without space technology equipment.

Commenting that Vietnam’s space technology strategy needs updating, he said: “In the coming time, Vietnam must be more determined and resolute in investing in space technology. We must invest more deeply and extensively for the sake of national security and defense demands. We cannot protect territorial or spatial sovereignty without skilled space technology scientists.”

National Aerospace Agency

Space technology is a strategic pillar for the economy and national security, and it has significant global economic potential. Despite initial achievements with small satellites and supportive policies from the Party and State, Vietnam still faces bottlenecks in policy, human resources, and infrastructure.

To overcome these barriers, experts at the seminar proposed breakthrough solutions, including improving institutions, increasing investment, attracting talent, and developing a sustainable space ecosystem.

Phung Cong Suong, Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong newspaper, noted that space technology is applied in areas like weather forecasting, disaster prevention, telecommunications, smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning, logistics, and national security. 

He cited a Space Foundation report stating the global space economy reached nearly $613 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $1,000 billion by 2030, indicating impressive growth and vast potential.

Quan highlighted Vietnam’s advantages for developing space technology, including legal frameworks like Resolutions 57, 193, and Decision 131. He recommended that the State avoid fragmented investments and focus on developing low-orbit satellites, small satellites, telecommunications-remote sensing satellite systems, ground control systems, and build a skilled scientific workforce in space science.

“The government should task the Ministry of Science and Technology with establishing or managing a national science and technology program for space technology. This program could be led by the Vietnam Space Committee to deliver strategic space technology products soon,” he said.

Other proposals include concretizing Resolutions 57, 193, and 131; piloting a sandbox mechanism under Resolution 193 for a major technology project with high autonomy for the chief engineer and exemptions from liability; investing sufficiently, accepting “venture investment” and a “culture of willingness to fail” to encourage scientists to take risks; and implementing policies to train and attract young talent, as relying solely on the training market will not produce skilled scientists in fundamental research fields.

To break barriers and promote the space technology industry, a long-term strategy is needed, extending beyond 10 years to 2040 or 2050, with financial mechanisms to support it. 

Pham Anh Tuan, Director of the Vietnam Space Center, proposed establishing a National Aerospace Agency under the government to centrally manage and coordinate, avoiding redundant investments. He also suggested adopting a resolution for the space economy, similar to the marine economy.

“It’s time to recognize space not only as a strategic technology but also as a potential economic sector. Building a national space economy strategy will open new development opportunities, from satellite applications and telecommunications to related services,” Tuan said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Decision No113 on June 12, 2025, issuing the List of Strategic Technologies and Strategic Technology Products which includes 11 strategic technology groups and 35 strategic technology product groups.

Specifically:

AI, digital twins, virtual/augmented reality with 6 product groups.

Cloud computing, quantum computing, big data with 3 product groups

Blockchain: 3 product groups: digital assets, digital currencies, cryptocurrencies; blockchain network infrastructure; traceability systems.

Next-generation mobile networks (5G/6G) with 3 product groups: 5G/6G radio access network equipment and solutions based on ORAN standards; 5G/6G core networks; high-speed IP transmission solutions.

Robotics and automation with 4 product groups

Semiconductors: with 1 product group: specialized chips, AI chips, IoT chips.

Advanced biomedicine: 3 product groups: next-generation vaccines; gene therapy (gene editing) for healthcare and agriculture; cell therapy (stem cells, immune cells).

Energy and advanced materials: 3 product groups: small, safe nuclear reactors; lithium-ion, solid-state, fuel, and electrolytic batteries; advanced materials.

Rare earths, oceans, subsurface: 4 product groups

Cybersecurity: 2 product groups: firewall, intrusion detection, and prevention solutions; security solutions for critical infrastructure and national databases.

Aerospace: 3 product groups: low-orbit remote sensing and communication satellites; ground stations and satellite control systems; unmanned aerial vehicles.

Thai Khang