On April 3, 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Toan, Vice President of the University of Danang (UD), chaired a meeting and reception for a trade promotion delegation from the Oregon State Legislature, USA. The delegation included Mr. Colin Sears, Global Trade Manager at the Port of Oregon; Mr. Andy Reed, Global Trade Manager at the Port of Portland; Ms. Julia Babcock, Director of New Rose City Consulting; and Ms. Bui Thu Hien, Co-founder of the Smart Connection Center.

Attending the meeting were also representatives from several member universities of UD, including University of Science and Technology (DUT), University of Economics, and  Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology, along with representatives from UD’s functional units such as Department of Science and International Cooperation, Department of Student Affairs, Corporate Relations and Communications, and Institute of Advanced Science and Technology.

At the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Toan warmly welcomed the Oregon delegation to UD. He introduced key highlights of UD as a national key regional university with a multidisciplinary structure and a long-standing tradition of training high-quality human resources for the Central region and Central Highlands and the entire country, particularly for the rapidly developing city of Da Nang.

UD leaders emphasized that the university’s training programs cover a wide range of fields to meet the country’s development needs in the new era, including engineering and technology, economic management, finance, logistics, agricultural sciences, environmental studies, and biotechnology. Particular attention is given to strategic fields such as semiconductor microchips, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and high-speed railway systems.

A representative of the leadership of UD emphasized the city’s potential as a national and international hub for transportation and trade, highlighting its advantages in seaports (Lien Chieu and Tien Sa) and international airports (Da Nang and Chu Lai). The representative also noted the strong demand for human resources, to which member universities of the University of Danang make significant contributions through education and training. These efforts support the strategy to develop Da Nang into a key growth pole that attracts investment and serves major initiatives such as the International Financial Center and the Free Trade Zone.

These advantages open opportunities for both sides to explore cooperation and connectivity between Oregon’s seaports, such as the Port of Portland, and Da Nang’s Lien Chieu Port in order to leverage potential strengths in logistics and supply chain development.

Drawing on previous cooperation with Portland State University in implementing advanced training programs such as Embedded Systems at UD-DUT, as well as partnerships with major U.S. corporations in education, research, and innovation, UD expressed its hope that leaders of the Oregon State government and partner organizations and businesses will continue to support and expand collaboration with UD. Such partnerships would contribute to fulfilling the university’s mission of serving regional and national development.

Representatives of the Oregon delegation emphasized that cooperation between universities and businesses plays a crucial role, citing the practical experience of collaboration between Portland State University and Intel Corporation in developing high-quality training programs, including semiconductor chip design and testing fields that Da Nang and UD are also prioritizing.

The state of Oregon is home to many major technology corporations as well as a strong network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in innovation and high-tech industries. These organizations are eager to explore collaboration opportunities with universities and the city of Da Nang in the context of increasing global integration.

Recognizing the potential for cooperation and the important role and position of UD, members of the Oregon delegation expressed their appreciation for UD’s strategic development orientation, particularly its commitment to enhancing education quality, strengthening scientific research, fostering links with local authorities and enterprises, and promoting international cooperation for sustainable development.

Sharing their interest in the development potential of Vietnam’s seaports and logistics supply chains, including those in Da Nang, representatives from Oregon noted that the University of Oregon has experienced scientists, modern facilities, and laboratories that could support collaborative activities in related fields.

In an open and constructive atmosphere, representatives from both sides discussed their needs and cooperation potential, proposing directions for collaboration in training and specialized research in areas where Oregon holds strong expertise.

UD expressed its hope that this visit will further strengthen connections, particularly as Oregon State and Da Nang City have established cooperation agreements. Such partnerships could facilitate the exchange of experts, lecturers, and scientists from universities and enterprises to participate in teaching at UD, co-supervise student theses, and contribute to the development of high-quality human resources as a foundation for sustainable cooperation in the future.

UD Media