On 26-27 May, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva will visit Hanoi to strengthen cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Vietnam in science, technology and innovation (STI), in line with the recent elevation of EU-Vietnam relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2026.

Commissioner Zaharieva introduced her mission: "Vietnam is emerging as a dynamic innovation partner with scientific and technological ambitions, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem with outstanding talent. Together, we want to deepen our cooperation in science, technology, research and innovation, support young innovators and researchers, and create new opportunities for businesses and start-ups of both sides. The EU is a strategic and reliable partner in supporting Vietnam's economic transformation, scientific excellence and technological autonomy."

During her visit, Commissioner Zaharieva will highlight Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship funding programme for research and innovation, and promote new cooperation and investment opportunities between European and Vietnamese researchers, innovators, startups and businesses.

A key deliverable of the visit will be a commitment of the two partners to strengthen cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation by signing of a Letter of Intent between the European Commission, on behalf of the European Union, and Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Letter of Intent will build the framework to strengthen research capacities, promote exchanges on Horizon Europe and other research programmes, support researcher mobility and institutional capacity building, and facilitate joint training and research initiatives.

In this context, Commissioner Zaharieva will exchange with high-level Vietnamese counterparts on strategic priorities and the implementation of a strengthened EU-Vietnam partnership in these areas.

In a Team Europe approach (the EU and its Member States), the Commissioner will also meet representatives of the European and Vietnamese private sector and start-ups ecosystem to exchange on technological challenges, investment opportunities and innovation-driven growth. The EU is more than ever ready to scale up support for Vietnam's twin -green and digital- transition and promote investment opportunities around emerging technologies i.e AI, semiconductors, 5G, space technology, cybersecurity… among others.

About Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the EU's key funding programme for research and innovation. It supports excellence in science, helps address global challenges, and strengthens industrial competitiveness through collaborative projects involving researchers, innovators, businesses and public institutions worldwide. Through Horizon Europe, the EU works with international partners to advance scientific cooperation, accelerate innovation and support sustainable and inclusive economic growth. More info here.

About Global Gateway

Global Gateway is the EU's strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. Global Gateway is fully aligned with the UN's Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments. More info here.