Socialist Republic of Vietnam

(VNA) About 200 Vietnamese and US scientists met at a workshop which opened in Ho Chi Minh City on Sept. 24 to discuss measures to take advantage of opportunities in scientific cooperation.

The workshop, the first of its kind, is part of a Vietnam-US agreement on scientific-technology cooperation.

Participants discussed cooperation opportunities in green energy, nano and electronic technology, bio-technology, solar energy and in the communications sector.

Director of HCM City’s Science and Technology Department Phan Minh Tan said he hoped that the workshop would offer prospects for cooperation, and provide the necessary conditions to apply the achievements of science and technology to production, reaping benefits for both countries.

He also said he expected the two sides would soon implement joint projects on scientific research and its application, as both sides have never worked together on this field before.

Vietnam has experienced surprising developments in science and technology, said the US Consul General in HCM City Kenneth Fairfax, adding that many US companies have successfully invested in the hi-tech sector in the city.

He also affirmed the target of setting up long-lasting cooperation between the scientists of both countries and increasing hi-tech ties.

In the US, a committee for scientific cooperation with Vietnam was set up in 1978, grouping more than 500 American scientists.

The committee has facilitated the exchange of experts in medicine, mathematics and agriculture between the two countries, as well as seeking opportunities to increase bilateral cooperation in science and technology and education and training./.