French firm Pasqal proposes bringing quantum computer to Vietnam

The proposal was presented at a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung on Monday, with the aim of gradually building Vietnam's quantum computing capabilities and developing a workforce capable of mastering strategic technologies, according to FPT.

The planned cooperation would cover joint research into quantum algorithms and applications, quantum computer development and manufacturing, specialized training, and business collaboration.

Mark Armstrong, Pasqal's chief commercial officer for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, outlined the French company's research and development capabilities in neutral-atom quantum computing at the meeting.

He expressed Pasqal's desire to begin working with FPT soon, with a focus on recruiting Vietnamese personnel, training lecturers, scientists and engineers, transferring technical expertise, and promoting industrial applications of quantum technology.

Deputy PM Dung welcomed the proposals from Pasqal, which was co-founded by Professor Alain Aspect, who won the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics.

He also called on the two companies to turn their cooperation plans into concrete initiatives, with clear commitments on resources and implementation timelines.

Dung said the Vietnamese government encourages international technology companies to work with domestic partners on research and development, workforce training, and innovation.

He added that the government stands ready to facilitate effective cooperation between FPT and Pasqal in accordance with Vietnamese law.

The proposed partnership aligns with broader efforts to strengthen scientific and technological ties between Vietnam and France.

During Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's official visit to France in September, a Vietnam-France joint statement highlighted quantum technology training, research, and development as areas for cooperation.

Vietnam's comprehensive strategic partnership with the European Union, established in January, also identifies science, technology, and innovation as important areas of collaboration.

Domestically, the Politburo's Resolution No. 57 and the list of strategic technologies issued under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 21/2026 provide policy guidance relevant to the research, development, and gradual mastery of quantum technology.