The Vietnamese and Finnish governments on March 6 signed a EUR11 million agreement for the second phase of their joint innovation partnership program (IPP) which aims to enhance the capacity of Vietnam’s information technology system, allowing the country to increase activities in scientific research and technology development. The second phase, which will run from 2014-2018, has been financed with EUR9.9 million from Finland’s non-refundable aid and EUR1.1 million from the Vietnamese government. The Vietnam-Finland IPP is considered the focal point of the Nordic country’s current support to Vietnam. This part of the program will help Vietnam make vital progress in strengthening the connectivity among businesses and scientists from both sides, said Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan said at a signing ceremony. During this period, the focus is on completing the legal frameworks in science and technology, enhancing creative renovation, supporting and developing products at regional level and building a strong expert team to give advice in technology innovation for businesses. The first phase of IPP was conducted from 2009-2013 at a cost of more than EUR7 million, mostly from Finnish aid, under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Finland’s Foreign Ministry. The project was implemented in Hanoi, Haiphong, Hue, Danang, Lam Dong, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and An Giang. The program has covered 60 projects in institutional capacity development, creative innovation and technology renovation support. (vov.vn March 7)
