Signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Co-operation in Science and Technology

August 21, 2006

The signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Co-operation in Science and Technology (Japan-Vietnam Science and Technology Co-operation Agreement) took place in Hanoi, Vietnam, on August 21 (Mon) between H.E. Mr. Iwao Matsuda, Minister of State for Science and Technology, and H.E. Mr. Norio Hattori, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam on the Japanese side, and H.E. Mr. Hoang Van Phong, Minister of Science and Technology, on the Vietnamese side.
Main Points of the Agreement
- (1) Both Governments will promote co-operation in the field of science and technology through various forms such as meetings, exchange of information and experts and implementation of co-operative activities, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit for peaceful purposes.
- (2) Implementing Arrangements setting forth the details and procedures of the specific co-operative activities may be made between both Governments or their agencies.
- (3) The Agreement permits participation of the researchers and research organizations in both public and private sectors, on co-operative activities based on it.
- (4) Implementation of the Agreement will be subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to the applicable laws and regulations of each country.
- (5) Both Governments will give due consideration to the protection and distribution of intellectual property rights or other rights of a proprietary nature resulting from co-operative activities. Scientific and technological information of non-proprietary nature derived from co-operative activities may be made available to the public.
- (6) Both Governments will establish a Joint Committee in order to implement the Agreement effectively.
- (7) The Agreement will not affect other international treaties or agreements concluded by either Government.
- (8) The Agreement will remain in force for a period of five years and will continue in force unless either Government informs the other through prior notification in writing that it intends to terminate it.
Background of the Negotiations
Cooperation in science and technology between the Governments of Japan and Vietnam, which had been promoted steadily, is expected to be expanded further. From such a viewpoint, the Vietnamese side suggested in December last year the conclusion of the Agreement, and as the result of negotiations, the Agreement was signed.
Meanings of the Agreement
The Agreement will provide a new co-operative framework in the field of science and technology between Japan and Vietnam, and it is expected that the friendly relations between the two countries will be further promoted by the Agreement.

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