EU to provide $58mn for digital skills, vocational training in Vietnam

The announcement was made during the international forum 'Scaling up Digital Investments: Connecting the European Tech Business Offer with Vietnam's Digital Future,' held in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday. 

The event was co-organized by the D4D Hub, the EU Delegation to Vietnam, AVSE Global, and EuroCham Vietnam, in collaboration with the National Data Association and the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association.

The forum featured six panel discussions on Vietnam–EU digital cooperation, covering topics such as data sovereignty in the AI era, semiconductor supply chain collaboration, and digital public infrastructure.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Guerrier said both Vietnam and the EU are entering a new era where technology plays a crucial role. 

He praised Vietnam's progress in digital and data sovereignty, highlighting the National Data Center initiative as a foundation for a secure, independent, and human-centered digital future.

"Vietnam–EU cooperation offers tremendous opportunities to drive innovation, strengthen digital sovereignty, and enhance technological competitiveness," Guerrier said.

"These align with Vietnam's four newly adopted strategic resolutions on science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and international integration."

Speaking at the forum, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy outlined three main pillars of Vietnam's digital transformation—digital government, digital economy, and digital society—with data, technology, and people as its foundation.

He said Vietnam has identified 11 national strategic technologies, prioritizing cooperation and investment in AI, blockchain, quantum computing, big data, and cybersecurity. 

"Digital transformation is a historic opportunity for Vietnam to leap forward and become a prosperous, developed nation," he said, adding that the EU remains a vital partner with valuable experience in ethical, sustainable digital development.

Vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Loc Ha said digital transformation is key to the city's breakthrough development and called the EU a strategic partner sharing a vision for sustainable growth. 

He encouraged collaboration in R&D and human resource training in AI, new materials, and semiconductors, expressing interest in learning from the EU's sandbox models for digital finance and open data governance.

"Ho Chi Minh City not only welcomes investment but also invites joint creation and development," Ha said. 

"The city is ready to become a reliable destination for European tech corporations to connect with Vietnam's digital future."