Quang Ninh Minister Vu Hai Quan said that to develop AI, Vietnam focuses on three commitments on infrastructure, creating an open environment with supportive policies and international cooperation.

The message was stated by Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan when speaking at the opening of Vietnam International Digital Week 2026 (VIDW 2026), on the morning of October 28.

He said that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way economies grow, the way governments serve people, as well as the way countries compete and cooperate. AI creates great opportunities, but also brings new risks and new gaps. Accordingly, this year's theme is "Developing smart connectivity: AI governance, AI transformation", reflecting three closely related priorities.

First, smart connectivity is the foundation. AI cannot develop without computing power, quality data and reliable digital infrastructure. These resources should not be reserved only for large businesses or developed economies. They need to be widely accessible, affordable, safe and energy efficient.

Second, good AI governance builds trust. AI must develop in a way that both promotes innovation and protects people, the Minister emphasized, adding that "if there is a lack of trust, AI will not be widely applied, and if there is a lack of cooperation, a global AI ecosystem cannot be formed."

Third, AI transformation must deliver substantive results. The value of AI is not measured by the number of strategies, pilot projects or new models. That value must be measured in "better quality of public services, higher productivity, stronger businesses and improved quality of life".

Sharing with international delegates attending Digital Week, the Minister said that Vietnam identifies science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as the main driving forces of the new growth model. In particular, AI is identified as a national strategic technology.

To realize this goal, Vietnam will focus on three commitments. The first is to strengthen national AI capacity, including developing digital infrastructure, computing resources, quality data, Vietnamese AI models and skilled human resources.

Vietnam will build an open innovation environment, develop a risk-based management approach, regulations and controlled testing mechanisms (sandbox), and policies to support research, startups and the responsible application of AI.

Third, expand international cooperation. Vietnam is ready to cooperate with governments, international organizations, universities and businesses in research, development, human resource training, building technical standards, sharing data, promoting cross-border data flows and deploying practical AI applications.

According to Minister Vu Hai Quan, for Vietnam, autonomy does not mean working alone. Autonomy means "building the capacity to cooperate as an equal partner, contributing knowledge and sharing values", he emphasized.

After the opening ceremony, on the morning of October 28, Vietnam International Digital Week 2026 will enter the official agenda, starting with the Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ministerial Roundtable. Here, representatives of management agencies from many countries and the European Union (EU) will discuss many hot topics of global technology such as strategic digital technology development, data, computing capacity, digital infrastructure and AI management.

Vietnam International Digital Week was initiated in 2019 - a forum chaired by the Ministry of Science and Technology and organized annually to promote digital technology cooperation.

This year, Vietnam International Digital Week takes place from October 28 to 30 in Quang Ninh. The event includes trend and policy dialogue sessions, combined with technology display and demonstration activities, gathering 500 domestic and foreign delegates, including leaders of digital technology management agencies of many countries, businesses and international organizations.

Zhong Dat