WNAM MONITORING: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked for faster development of space science and technology, stressing the need to explore space, master technologies, strengthen cooperation, pursue sustainable development and ensure a peaceful cosmos.
Speaking at the opening of the Vietnam–Japan Space Horizons 2026 Forum themed “Partnering for the New Era” and the inauguration of the Vietnam Space Centre (VNSC) at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi on March 13, the PM emphasised that Vietnam’s space development must be driven by innovation, international cooperation and the principles of “three accelerations” and “three together”.
The forum, held from March 12–15, gathers representatives from the Vietnamese of Science and Technology, the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and those from other Japanese agencies and organisations, international partners, scientists and businesses from the two countries operating in the space sector.
It aims to deepen cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in space technology and foster the formation of a space economy ecosystem in Vietnam, while marking a new step forward in the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan in the era of science, technology and innovation.
In his remark, PM Chinh highlighted the significance of the inauguration of the VNSC and the forum, saying that they mark an important milestone in the development of Vietnam’s space science and technology sector and open a new chapter of deeper, more substantive and effective cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.
Noting that the VNSC is a modern infrastructure complex with a scale and technological level among the most advanced in Southeast Asia, the PM expressed high appreciation and sincere thanks to the Japanese government, organisations and businesses for their valuable contributions. Their support, he said, has helped the Vietnamese Government, enterprises and people achieve fruitful cooperation outcomes in recent years, laying a solid foundation for Vietnam and Japan to continue reaching new heights together for prosperous development of each country and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
The Vietnamese people have long dreamed of exploring the universe, he said, adding that that dream came true in modern times when Vietnam was the first Asian country to send a citizen into space with the flight of hero Pham Tuan in 1980.
In 2006, the Government approved the national strategy for research and application of space technology, aiming to support the country’s industrialisation and modernisation. Vietnam subsequently launched its first telecommunications satellites VINASAT-1 in 2008 and VINASAT-2 in 2012. The country has also made notable progress in satellite development. PicoDragon, Vietnam’s first domestically developed satellite, was launched in 2013. MicroDragon, jointly developed by Vietnam and Japan, was launched in 2019 for earth observation missions. In 2021, NanoDragon, fully developed by Vietnamese engineers, was successfully placed into orbit. Meanwhile, the radar satellite LOTUSat-1 has been completed and is awaiting launch, demonstrating Vietnam’s growing capacity to master advanced technologies.
