Promoting space science and technology cooperation between Vietnam and Japan

02/06/2026

On May 18, 2026, in Ha Noi, Prof. Dr Tran Hong Thai – Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Policy and Strategy Commission, and President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (the Academy) – held a reception and working session with a Japanese delegation led by Ito Naoki. The meeting focused on solutions to accelerate satellite-related projects and expand cooperation in training high-quality human resources.

Opening the meeting, Prof. Dr Tran Hong Thai expressed his pleasure at welcoming Ambassador Ito Naoki on the occasion of the celebration of Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Day (May 18) and the 51^st anniversary of the establishment of the Academy. President Tran Hong Thai emphasised that cooperation in science, technology, education and training between Vietnam and Japan has become an important pillar in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The Academy highly appreciates the effective support from Japanese organisations such as Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency through the important bridging role of the Embassy, with both sides achieving numerous accomplishments across fields such as environment, hydrometeorology, and especially space technology.

Ambassador Ito Naoki extended his best wishes to the scientific community of the Academy on the occasion of the celebration of Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Day (May 18) and the 51^st anniversary of the Academy. The Ambassador affirmed that the Japanese side always values cooperative projects with the Academy and is committed to continuing support so that the projects can deliver substantive results and contribute to common development.

President Tran Hong Thai and Ambassador Ito Naoki held frank discussions on challenges related to the satellite project at the Academy

During the meeting, both sides frankly exchanged views on challenges in the LOTUSat-1 satellite project, while also opening up new directions for cooperation in the application of space data and expanding cooperation in training high-quality human resources.

Concluding the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain regular contact to update the medium-term roadmap for Vietnam’s space technology projects, ensuring that ODA resources are used effectively and sustainably. Both sides also affirmed their determination to remove all technical obstacles in order to complete the Space Centre project on schedule, while expanding cooperation into new technology fields and further deepening the friendship between the two nations.

Within the framework of the meeting, Ambassador Ito Naoki and the delegation visited the Exhibition introducing scientific, technological and innovation products and achievements in 2026: “The Imprint of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology”.