Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggests SpaceX to connect and cooperate with potential Vietnamese partners. (Photo: VGP)

At the meetings, Mr. Chinh said Vietnam is selective in attracting investments, and prioritises projects in science, technology, innovation, research and development, the green economy, the digital economy, the knowledge-based economy, and the circular economy. The Vietnamese Government will create optimal conditions for groups to operate in Vietnam, he said.

At the meeting with Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates, who is also founder and chairman of the Gates Foundation, PM Chinh suggested he support the Vietnam National Innovation Centre, and provide consultancy for Vietnam’s science, technology, and innovation strategy. He asked Gates to continue his assistance for innovative start-ups, science-technology development, climate change response, green transition, green growth, renewable energy, health care, and education in Vietnam.

At the meeting with Tim Hughes, Senior Vice President for Global Business and Government Affairs at SpaceX, PM Chinh asked SpaceX to cooperate with Vietnamese partners in information technology, and deploy cooperative activities to promote innovation in Vietnam. Mr. Hughes said his group plans to invest 500 million USD in Vietnam, and said he hopes to receive an investment licence for SpaceX’s Starlink services in Vietnam.