Vietnam has taken another step toward building domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity as Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company (VNVC) and French pharmaceutical company Sanofi advanced their long-term partnership on vaccine localization during the Vietnam-France High-Level Conference held in Hanoi on July 9.

Organized by Vietnam's Ministry of Health in coordination with the French Embassy, the conference focused on strengthening cooperation in strategic technologies and next-generation vaccine development.

The event brought together senior government officials, healthcare leaders and industry representatives from both countries to exchange expertise on advanced medical technologies, particularly preventive medicine and vaccine manufacturing.

The conference also marked another milestone in the cooperation agreement signed by VNVC and Sanofi in Paris in October 2024 during General Secretary To Lam's official visit to France, when the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vaccine self-sufficiency a strategic priority

Opening the conference, Health Minister Dao Hong Lan said health security has become closely linked to national security and sustainable development, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said Vietnam considers self-sufficiency in vaccine research, manufacturing and supply a critical pillar for protecting public health, strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system and supporting long-term economic growth.

The minister said the government is implementing major policies on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, with vaccines identified as a strategic technology product to enhance national capabilities and strengthen Vietnam's position in the global biotechnology value chain.

Through the partnership, Vietnam aims to strengthen domestic vaccine manufacturing, ensure a stable supply for the National Immunization Program and support its long-term ambition of becoming a regional hub for vaccine manufacturing and innovation.

France highlights expanding healthcare cooperation

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet said the conference demonstrated the strength, maturity and long-term vision of the Vietnam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in healthcare.

He noted that healthcare has been one of the strongest pillars of bilateral cooperation for decades. In 2025, Vietnam imported pharmaceutical products worth US$486 million from France, with vaccines accounting for a significant share and playing an important role in improving public health.

According to the ambassador, agreements exchanged during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Vietnam in May 2025 established a framework for progressively developing vaccine manufacturing technology while strengthening local expertise, quality management and compliance with international research, manufacturing and safety standards.

He also said France and Vietnam are preparing to sign a renewed intergovernmental agreement on health cooperation, creating a modern framework covering medical training, hospital partnerships, research, public health and innovation to address future healthcare challenges.

VNVC and Sanofi deepen technology transfer

Stephen Alix, Head of Vaccines, International at Sanofi, said the company views the partnership as a long-term project encompassing research collaboration, workforce development, manufacturing capability and international quality standards.

With more than 100 years of vaccine manufacturing experience, Sanofi believes combining its technological expertise with VNVC's investment and operational capabilities will create the conditions needed to develop next-generation vaccine manufacturing in Vietnam.

"Sanofi is committed to a long-term partnership with Vietnam and VNVC in research, global knowledge sharing, human resource development and the advancement of high-quality vaccine manufacturing capabilities, contributing to Vietnam's vaccine self-sufficiency and strengthening national health security," Alix said.

Ngo Chi Dung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VNVC, said Vietnam's private sector is ready to play a more active role in strategic technology industries alongside the government.

He said VNVC has made long-term investments to build a comprehensive vaccine ecosystem, including a nationwide network of nearly 300 vaccination centers, scientific research, international cooperation and construction of the VNVC Vaccine and Biological Manufacturing Plant.

Dung said the company will continue investing in science, technology and innovation while expanding cooperation with world-leading partners such as Sanofi to accelerate research, technology transfer and vaccine manufacturing in Vietnam.

"Our goal is to help Vietnamese people gain earlier and more affordable access to advanced vaccines and biologics while progressively achieving independent domestic production of key vaccines and reducing vaccination costs," he said.

Production targeted for 2028

The VNVC Vaccine and Biological Manufacturing Plant represents an initial investment of more than VND2.5 trillion (approximately US$95.5 million) and covers more than 26,000 square meters in Tay Ninh Province.

The facility is being built to comply with international manufacturing standards, including EU-GMP, WHO-GMP and U.S. FDA requirements, with a planned production capacity of about 100 million vaccine doses annually.

Under the cooperation roadmap with Sanofi, the two companies are working to localize manufacturing of several high-demand vaccines for children and adults.

The plant is expected to begin operations by the end of 2027, gradually acquiring manufacturing technology, production processes, quality management systems and workforce training under the guidance of Sanofi specialists.

The first vaccine batches produced in Vietnam are expected to roll off the production line in 2028.

PV