On January 14, at Software Park No. 2, the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Research and Training Center (DSAC), under the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, hosted a Discussion and Business Roundtable between Daegu and Da Nang ICT enterprises. This event took place as part of the official working visit to Da Nang by the Acting Mayor of Daegu (South Korea), aimed at strengthening connections and expanding cooperation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) between the two cities.
Over the years, cooperation between Da Nang and Daegu has been steadily strengthened and developed based on their “Sister City” relationship, with many practical exchanges and collaboration activities in areas such as trade and economics, culture and society, tourism, human resource training, and information technology.
Notably, on July 10, 2024, leaders of the two cities signed a Memorandum of Understanding in South Korea to enhance Da Nang and Daegu cooperation, with the participation of 16 ICT enterprises from Da Nang and multiple business agreements between companies from both sides, marking a new milestone in their comprehensive partnership.
Building on these results, in October 2025, the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center (DISSC) held a working session with representatives from Daegu’s International Cooperation and Trade Division to discuss strategic cooperation opportunities in technology and innovation, promote business linkages, and connect the startup ecosystems of the two cities. At the same time, both sides advanced plans to establish a Daegu Technology Demonstration Space in Da Nang to showcase advanced technology products and expand opportunities for research, training, and business collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ho Quang Buu, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, affirmed that the cooperative relationship between Da Nang and Daegu is built on mutual understanding, respect, and shared development. Over the years, the two cities have carried out many practical cooperation activities in areas such as education and training, culture, tourism, and especially information and communication technology, which has consistently been a highlight of their bilateral partnership.
Currently, Da Nang is identified by the Government as a core growth center of the Central Key Economic Region for startups, innovation, high-tech industries, and information technology. The city has also ranked first nationwide for many consecutive years in ICT readiness and has repeatedly been recognized as a Smart City of Vietnam.
The Vice Chairman noted that Da Nang is focusing on completing key strategic infrastructure projects such as Software Park No. 2, the Da Nang Free Trade Zone, and the International Financial Center, along with implementing special mechanisms and policies under National Assembly Resolution No. 136. These create a favorable legal framework and outstanding incentives to attract investment in high-tech sectors, particularly semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
On this basis, the city aims to elevate cooperation with Daegu in human resource training and the transfer of solutions related to smart cities, IoT, robotics, and AI, while also enabling Da Nang software enterprises to participate in the IT service supply chains of major corporations in Daegu.
The working session consisted of two main parts: a discussion session and a roundtable. The discussion session focused on exchanges and connections between the ICT ecosystem of Daegu and the ICT business community of Da Nang. Delegates discussed specific directions for cooperation, such as promoting pilot projects (PoC), developing business linkage models between enterprises from both sides, connecting international cooperation programs, implementing joint technology–industry projects, and supporting promotional and marketing activities to help businesses access each other’s markets. A proposal was also made to apply a “fast-track” mechanism to shorten decision-making time and accelerate the implementation of cooperative projects.
As part of the program, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony took place between the Huong Tra Ward People’s Committee, QTC Company, and SPHERE AX Company, helping to concretize the cooperation commitments between the parties.
Speaking at the roundtable, Mr. Kim Jung Ki, Acting Mayor of Daegu, expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the warm reception from the leaders and agencies of Da Nang. He affirmed that Da Nang and Daegu have maintained a strong cooperative foundation for over 20 years and that expanding cooperation into the ICT sector is a strategic step forward.
Read more: Da Nang – Korea: Building Bridges for Innovation Beyond Borders
In the coming time, he expects enterprises from both cities to jointly implement projects, strengthen technological cooperation, and promote human resource exchange, aiming not only at the Asian market but also at the global market.
presented an overview of Da Nang’s ICT industry
During the roundtable, representatives from both sides also presented overviews of the ICT industries of Da Nang and Daegu, thereby highlighting the potential, strengths, and development orientations of each city. On that basis, delegates discussed various issues related to the investment and cooperation environment in the ICT sector, emphasizing the need to ensure information safety and cybersecurity in the development of digital technologies. They also clarified Da Nang’s incentive mechanisms and policies aimed at creating a favorable environment for high-tech and innovation-driven enterprises.
Both sides shared their visions for smart city development and the growth of innovation ecosystems, agreeing to strengthen cooperation by leveraging complementary strengths to form practical, meaningful, and sustainable cooperation projects in the near future.
The Daegu–Da Nang ICT Business Discussion and Roundtable created a practical and direct platform for engagement among government authorities, specialized agencies, and the business communities of the two cities. This is considered an important activity in promoting international ICT cooperation, opening up numerous concrete opportunities in technology, investment, and market access, and contributing positively to the development of Da Nang’s innovation ecosystem, digital transformation, and digital economy in the coming time.
On the afternoon of January 15, the Daegu ICT Business Association is scheduled to visit and work at the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center to gain an overview of the city’s innovation startup ecosystem, technology business support models, and to explore opportunities for connection and cooperation with outstanding startups and ICT enterprises in Da Nang in the near future.
Some images from the event:
Credit: startupdanang.vn