Indonesia, Vietnam forge cooperation in science and technology

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The governments of Indonesia and Vietnam have agreed to cooperate in the fields of science and technology.

The cooperation was marked by the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) by Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto and Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung in Jakarta on Sunday (March 9).

"This cooperation will be directed to support various government priority programs that focus on food, energy self-sufficiency, and innovation downstreaming," Yuliarto noted in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The minister noted that 47 Vietnamese students are studying in Indonesia in various undergraduate and doctoral programs.

To this end, he affirmed that the two countries agreed to hold joint research funding to increase the private sector's participation in research funding. Indonesia is targeting a 4:1 ratio between industry and government spending.

The proposed joint research is planned for pilot projects between USD10,000 and USD50,000, with potential for larger funds reaching USD50 million for future collaborations, including student exchanges and research projects.

The two parties expressed enthusiasm for swift implementation to launch the first collaborative project.

"I believe in the spirit of Southeast Asia solidarity. We can deepen our understanding by exchanging views and perspectives from the two countries' experiences," Yuliarto remarked.

The two parties have agreed on six points. These include the exchange of information and experiences related to best practices, policies, laws, and regulations in science and technology.

Secondly, they have agreed to collaborate on research and development in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other technologies.

Thirdly, they will facilitate the exchange of experts, researchers, scientists, students, and lecturers for bilateral scientific and technological activities. Fourthly, they plan to organize conferences, seminars, and training sessions focused on science and technology.

Additionally, the fifth point agreed upon by the two parties is coordination in organizing programs and content regarding downstreaming and innovation. Lastly, the sixth point encompasses other mutually agreed-upon activities between both parties.