International Cooperation
The Project for the Establishment of the 「Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST)」
This project, implemented by KIST and KOICA, aims to establish an S&T research institute that can lead the modernization of Vietnam. It is Korea’s largest ODA project to date, with a budget totaling $70 million over seven years (2014-2021).
Project for the Establishment of VKIST
Background
Following a request by Vietnam at the 2012 Korea-Vietnam summit to establish a Vietnamese research institute benchmarking KIST, the Korean government initiated a project to begin transferring its S&T knowledge to Vietnam.
Objective
To lay the foundation for the development of Vietnam’s industrial economy and strengthen its research capabilities through the establishment of VKIST.
Duration
Dec. 2014-Dec. 2021
Participants
(Korea) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KOICA), Ministry of Science and ICT (KIST)
(Vietnam) Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park (HHTP)
Key Development Areas
Construction of Environmental Institute
Research Equipment Support
Enhancement of Research Capabilities
Operational Support
Consultation on Institute Operation
Timeline
(‘12.03) Request for developmental assistance, benchmarking the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)
(‘13.09) Joint declaration made between the Presidents of Vietnam and Korea on the “Agreement on the Project for the Establishment of the Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST)”
(‘14.08) Master plan composed to support the establishment of VKIST
(‘14.12) Agreement signed between KIST and KOICA to implement the project
(‘17.05) Dr.Kum Dongwha (KIST’s 20th President) appointed as first President of VKIST
(‘17.11) Kick-off ceremony held for VKIST
(‘18.03) Groundbreaking ceremony held for construction of VKIST headquarters
(‘19.09) “On-site Laboratory” opened at KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products.
(‘20.08) Pilot joint projects initiated between KIST and VKIST.
VKIST (Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology)
Overview
The Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST), established as a joint project between the two countries, is a public research institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).
Date of Establishment
May 18th, 2015
Purpose of Establishment
To establish a research hub for science and technology to lead Vietnam’s industrialization and technological advancement.
Location and Area
Major Research Areas
Information Technology (IT) / Biotechnology (BT)