On November 23, 2023, the University of Economics and Business - Vietnam National University (VNU), the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM), and the University of Salento, Italy, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Italian Cultural Center - Casa Italia. This event also featured a seminar titled "The Role of Cooperation between Universities and Businesses in the Context of Digital Transformation and Green Transition," focusing on significant economic issues, particularly green growth and sustainable development.

Attendees included prominent figures from the University of Economics and Business - VNU, such as Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Trúc Lê, Party Secretary, Chairman of the University Council; Associate Professor Dr. Lê Trung Thành, Rector; and Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Anh Thu, Vice-Rector, along with department heads. Representing the Italian Embassy in Vietnam was H.E. Marco Della Seta, the Italian Ambassador to Vietnam; from ICHAM, Mr. Federico Vasoli, Vice President; and from the University of Salento, Italy, Professor Fabio Pollice, Rector, and Professor Gennaro Scarselli, Vice Rector for International Affairs, along with faculty members.

Ambassador Marco Della Seta expressed during the signing ceremony that the meeting signifies a commitment to enhancing knowledge and creating innovative solutions for societal challenges. He emphasized the role of associations in driving green and digital transformations and cooperation between businesses and universities.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Trúc Lê shared his enthusiasm, stating that the meeting lays the foundation for future cooperation agreements, aiming to guide and energize academic and cultural collaboration.

The seminar, "The Role of Cooperation between Universities and Businesses in the Context of Digital Transformation and Green Transition," aimed to strengthen exchanges between leading experts, scholars, and policy-makers about modern university education trends in the digital era. It highlighted the importance of promoting Vietnam-Italy cooperation in innovating and developing university education.

Following discussions and consensus, the University of Economics and Business - VNU, the University of Salento, and ICHAM signed a cooperation agreement in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Vietnam. The agreement aims to promote training, academic, and professional cooperation between universities and businesses in Vietnam and Italy, creating an effective cooperation model in social responsibility beneficial for students and the business and startup communities of both countries.

The seminar provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experience in supporting cooperative activities, managing innovation and creativity, and developing technology applications in university education. It also addressed how both countries have implemented strategies to facilitate universities and students in expanding opportunities for study, internships, and employment to meet high, modern international standards.

Three thematic sessions focused on: ICHAM's role in promoting green and digital transformation; challenges in cooperation between scientists and businesses and solutions for green technology transfer and digital transformation in Vietnam; and the impact of PhD and postdoctoral research in Italy with suggestions for Vietnam.

The roundtable discussions centered on Vietnam-Italy trade cooperation, intellectual property in promoting Vietnam-EU trade, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and related mechanisms.

Some additional images from the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony and the seminar.

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