On the morning of October 22, 2026, in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium, Mr. Nguyen Huu Tu, General Director of Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), and Mr. M. Gert Jan Ten Cate, Vice President of Air Liquide Group in charge of Large Industries – World Business Line, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of General Secretary and State President To Lam, high-ranking Vietnamese leaders, and representatives of prominent European and Belgian enterprises. The event took place within the framework of the high-level dialogue between General Secretary and State President To Lam and business leaders during his official visit to the European Union (EU) and the Kingdom of Belgium.
The exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding contributes to strengthening the connection between Vinachem and international technology partners, opening up opportunities to study and evaluate solutions to enhance energy efficiency, optimize industrial production operations, and foster sustainable energy transition.
Air Liquide is a world leader in industrial gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare. With approximately 65,000 employees, the Group serves 4.3 million customers and patients across 59 countries, playing a vital role in the supply chains of various economic sectors. In 2025, Air Liquide generated revenue of nearly 27 billion euros, combining operational performance with sustainable growth orientation.
Expanding Technological Cooperation, Enhancing Industrial Production Efficiency
Under the MoU, Vinachem and Air Liquide will assess cooperation opportunities and implement initiatives to enhance energy efficiency, operational reliability, industrial safety, and business-production performance.
In the immediate phase, both sides prioritize researching operational efficiency improvement solutions at nitrogenous fertilizer production facilities, focusing on modernizing air separation units and argon recovery systems.
In addition, the two parties plan to expand discussions on potential cooperation fields such as the electronics industry and hydrogen—including low-carbon hydrogen and renewable hydrogen—aiming toward applications that contribute to emissions reduction in industrial activities and across the entire energy value chain.
Gradually Realizing Collaborative Opportunities
Following the MoU exchange ceremony, Vinachem and Air Liquide will coordinate with relevant affiliated units and experts to formulate specialized exchange plans and organize on-site plant surveys, thereby specifically evaluating needs, technological application feasibility, and appropriate cooperation models.
The exchange of the MoU between Vinachem and Air Liquide in the presence of General Secretary and State President To Lam marks an important milestone in strengthening connectivity and expanding the Group's international cooperation. Based on the established partnership framework, Vinachem aims to effectively leverage access to Air Liquide's advanced technologies, enhance production capacity, optimize energy consumption, and explore solutions serving the energy transition. Thereby, the Group contributes to enhancing competitiveness and promoting the sustainable development of Vietnam's chemical industry.
Establishing this cooperation framework also aligns with implementing Resolution No. 79-NQ/TW dated January 6, 2026, of the Politburo on state-owned economic development, which emphasizes the requirement to enhance the operational efficiency of state-owned enterprises, promote the application of advanced technologies, foster innovation, modernize corporate governance, and boost cooperation in scientific and technological research and development.
Through connecting with international technology partners, Vinachem aims to access state-of-the-art engineering solutions, elevate productivity, quality, and operational efficiency; progressively consolidate competitiveness, participate deeper in the global value chain, and contribute to promoting the role of state-owned enterprises in national industrial and economic development.
Source: Vietnam National Chemical Group
