Hi-tech parks need more investment
As the development of hi-tech parks in Viet Nam is still below expectations, they are seeking measures to attract more investments, especially in research and development projects.
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| Technicians check blackboxes for vehicles produced by Nasia Company in Hoa Lac High-tech Park.— VNA/VNS Photo Anh Tuan |
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Viet Thanh said the establishment of national hi-tech parks aimed to boost science and technology to narrow the gaps with other countries in the region and the world.
Still, the development of hi-tech parks is not as efficient as expected due to several problems in investment policies and shortage of technical infrastructure.
Viet Nam has three national hi-tech parks, which are Hoa Lac, HCM City and Da Nang.
At a recent meeting, Deputy Head of the HCM City Hi-Tech Park Le Thi Bich Loan said there were still overlaps and inconsistencies in regulations, which caused difficulties in the development of hi-tech parks.
The shortage of capital for technical infrastructure development was a problem, in addition to poor investment management and lack of special mechanisms, Nguyen Quang Dai from Da Nang Hi-Tech Park's Department of Planning and Investment said.
Representatives from national hi-tech parks have proposed incentives for research and development (R&D) projects, as many foreign direct investment projects do not bring R&D activities into Viet Nam.
In addition, investment promotion programmes should be organised for the three national hi-tech parks, together with early promulgation of legal documents related to investments in hi-tech parks in line with the Law on Hi-Technology and the Law on Science and Technology.
Statistics showed that Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park has so far attracted nearly VND55.4 trillion (US$2.47 billion) into 69 projects, 32 of which are currently under operation, while HCM City Hi-Tech Park has attracted 82 projects, worth more than $4.3 billion.
Under the planning for hi-tech park development for 2020 with a vision towards 2030, approved by the Prime Minister in June, the focus will be on developing synchronised infrastructure systems for the three existing hi-tech parks.
In addition, three more hi-tech parks will be founded in Ha Noi, Dong Nai and Binh Duong Provinces. — VNS
