Quang Tri promotes science and technology cooperation with Laos and Thailand

Quang Tri is connecting universities across Viet Nam, Laos, and Thailand to foster science, technology, and innovation cooperation along the East-West Economic Corridor.

On October 22, Quang Binh University hosted an international scientific conference themed “Science, Technology and Digital Transformation for Socio-Economic Development in the East-West Economic Corridor and Greater Mekong Subregion,” bringing together scientists, policymakers, experts, and delegates from Viet Nam, Laos, and Thailand.

The conference was jointly organized by seven higher education institutions from the three countries: Quang Binh University, Tan Trao University, and Thai Nguyen University of Viet Nam; Savannakhet University of Laos; and Udon Thani Rajabhat University, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, and Nakhon Phanom University of Thailand.

The conference was attended by a delegation from the Consulate General of Laos in Da Nang, led by Consul General Vonekham Cheuangmanivong; government delegations from Laos’ Khammouane and Savannakhet provinces; and representatives of local departments and agencies, scientists, and students.

In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duc Vuong, Rector of Quang Binh University, emphasized the conference’s role in exchanging research findings and sharing practical experiences in applying science, technology, and digital transformation along the East-West Economic Corridor.

He noted that the event also provides a platform for universities to propose solutions and policy recommendations for sustainable socio-economic development while expanding regional cooperation in education and scientific research.

The conference brought together 47 scientific papers by researchers from Viet Nam, Laos, and Thailand, compiled into proceedings covering 4 main themes. The studies addressed the application of science, technology, and digital transformation in natural resource and environmental management, agricultural development, and climate change adaptation; the digital economy, trade, logistics, and cooperation frameworks; education, human resource development, and artificial intelligence in education; and tourism, heritage, culture, and society in border areas.

The program featured a plenary session with keynote presentations, thematic reports, scientific presentations, and two poster sessions. These activities gave delegates opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions, exchange experiences, and propose solutions tailored to the development conditions of localities along the economic corridor.

The broad range of topics, from natural resource management and human resource development to trade, logistics, and tourism, demonstrates that cooperation extends beyond academic research to address practical challenges facing the region. These areas could serve as a foundation for universities, government agencies, and local authorities to develop more concrete collaborative initiatives in the coming years.

For Quang Tri, strengthening ties with educational institutions and government agencies in Laos and Thailand helps expand international cooperation in education, research, and knowledge exchange. Through this collaborative network, participating institutions can share experiences, access research findings, and explore scientific and technological applications suited to local development needs.

On this occasion, Quang Binh University received Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister of Laos and the authorities of Khammouane and Savannakhet provinces in recognition of its contributions to cooperation, human resource development, and international friendship. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duc Vuong, Rector of the university, also received a Certificate of Merit from the Chairman of the Savannakhet Provincial Administration Committee.

The conference strengthened academic exchanges and fostered connections among higher education institutions in Viet Nam, Laos, and Thailand. Implementing concrete cooperation programs will be essential to translate research findings into practical applications and harness knowledge and technology for socio-economic development along the East-West Economic Corridor.

Thanh Tam