This was his second direct meeting with the network, following the first in the US in 2024. The event underscored the Party and State’s commitment to overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and reaffirmed the role of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in national development.

Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang noted that the Vietnam Innovation Network now operates in over 22 countries and territories, with more than 2,000 members, including scientists, chief engineers, and leading architects in key industries. He stressed that contributing to the homeland does not require physical return, but can be achieved through resource connection, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation.

Vietnamese experts in South Korea have played a key role in policy consultation, strategic technology development, building open-source Vietnamese language datasets for AI, and supporting domestic universities and businesses in training, research, and market expansion. Many have established businesses, transferred technology, or invested in Vietnam.

At the meeting, members shared South Korea’s experience in fostering innovation, start-ups, and strategic technology industries. They proposed measures to shift economic growth toward a science- and innovation-based model, aiming for double-digit GDP growth. Suggestions included financial mechanisms for R&D, talent recruitment policies, and infrastructure development for high-tech zones and innovation centers.

General Secretary To Lam praised the network’s efforts in connecting experts and enterprises between Vietnam and South Korea, and in advising on fintech, semiconductors, AI, clean energy, smart cities, and the cultural and creative industries. He urged the network to remain a vital bridge between Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem and the world, lead new initiatives, and bring global advancements home.

He also tasked the Ministry of Finance to coordinate with other ministries to translate experts’ ideas into concrete, high-value products and solutions, further driving innovation and realizing Vietnam’s development vision.

PV