Canberra (VNA) – Vietnam and Australia have issued a Joint Statement on the Enhancement of Science, Technology and Innovation Connectivity between the two countries. JOINT STATEMENT ON THE ENHANCEMENT OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN VIETNAM AND AUSTRALIA1. Recognising the complementary strengths and significant potential of bilateral science, technology and innovation cooperation, as well as the role of science, technology and innovation as key drivers of sustainable economic growth, productivity, resilience and competitiveness. Leaders welcomed the Australia - Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Initiative (AVSTICI), which supports joint research projects involving Australian and Vietnamese universities, research institutions and businesses. Vietnam welcomed Australia's continued support for scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to strengthen human capital and support Vietnam's ambition to become a regional hub for science, technology and innovation.