Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Thị Bích Ngọc speaks at the opening ceremony of the 3M Corporation's science, technology, engineering centre in Hà Nội. — Photo Courtesy of the Ministry of Planning and Investment

HÀ NỘI — The 3M Corporation from the US opened a science, technology and engineering centre in Hà Nội on Tuesday.

The centre introduces a series of solutions for traffic safety and the commercial market and showcases the corporation’s electronic technologies and solutions in Southeast Asia.

With an area of 417sq.m, the centre offers tours and interactive experiences, helping customers better understand how 3M Group's technologies are promoting and developing solutions for the future.

Previously, the corporation launched a Customer Technical Centre (CTC) in HCM City, focusing on introducing solutions and business cooperation opportunities to partner businesses nationwide.

Addressing the centre's opening, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Thị Bích Ngọc emphasised that the establishment of the centre is a concrete step in Việt Nam’s journey to become a global hub for innovation.

She said Việt Nam is at an important point in the transformation towards a digital economy, green economy, and circular economy. Việt Nam's socio-economic development strategy for the 2021-30 period has identified three strategic breakthroughs in institutions, infrastructure and human resource development associated with economic restructuring and growth model innovation; promoting development based on science and technology, innovation and cultural values of Vietnamese people, Ngọc said.

To realise the above goals, Việt Nam has implemented many specific solutions to attract investment and has now become the destination of many technology corporations in the world, the deputy minister said, adding that the country expects the presence of international corporations and businesses in Việt Nam in the future.

She hoped that in the coming time, the 3M centre and Việt Nam’s National Innovation Centre will engage in effective cooperation to further tap the advantages of each side.

The establishment of the 3M centre is evidence that Việt Nam is gradually becoming a destination of hi-tech innovative projects and R&D in the region, Ngọc said, adding that the event also bears significance to the growing cooperation between Việt Nam and the US.

US Ambassador to Việt Nam Marc E. Knapper said that 3M's investment in Việt Nam is a strong and constructive affirmation that businesses can contribute to promoting scientific and technological cooperation.

The centre will make an important contribution to promoting innovation, progress and prosperity for both countries, including a commitment to economic growth, technological progress and sustainable development, he said.

Amit Laroya, Senior Vice President - Asia, 3M Transportation & Electronics Business Group, said that in the next two years, the corporation plans to invest in more advanced testing equipment to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Vietnamese market.

Việt Nam prioritises selective investment attraction, targeting high-tech projects, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, research and development, renewable energy, hydrogen, and synchronous infrastructure construction. Those are also areas where US investors have great potential and strengths, he said.