Hanoi to take over management of Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park

The Government is set to transfer the responsibility for managing the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park back to Hanoi.

Overview of the meeting. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The comments were made by Deputy Science and Technology Minister Bui The Duy on April 5 during the ministry's quarterly news conference.

The deputy minister stated that the proposal to move Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park's management to Hanoi would be completed by the Ministry of Science and Technology and submitted to the Prime Minister for approval in the second quarter.

The Ministry of Science and Technology oversees the park, which was created by Prime Minister's Decree in 1998. It was conceived as a science city with full amenities and functional areas, covering a space of almost 1,600 hectares.

Thanks to investment projects in the park, a preliminary ecosystem has been developed for several technology fields, including information technology, electronics, telecommunications, software, biotechnology for health care, and automation technology.

In addition, many scientific research and technology development centers of major economic groups, educational institutions, and universities are located in Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park.

However, Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park's construction encountered some obstacles, including problems with site clearance and a lack of sufficient traffic infrastructure, which led to the majority of the land area being occupied by low-tech investors.

"The park's main goal is to keep a large enough land reserve to draw potential investors rather than rushing to fill it up with foreign investors. Therefore, it is expected that the park will continue to serve its initial purpose of being a core technology park when it gets transferred to Hanoi and will help increase the country's capacity in science and technology," Duy said.

According to the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park Management Board, the park has attracted 104 investment projects with a total registered capital of nearly VND100 trillion ($4.26 billion) and employed nearly 30,000 people.

To complete the project of transferring the park's management to Hanoi, Duy noted that the Ministry of Science and Technology is evaluating the impacts of the management model and seeking feedback.

After receiving feedback from 50% of the relevant agencies, the ministry has already submitted the project to the government and is waiting for an evaluation from the Government Office and other sectors to complete the report and decide on the transfer, Duy said. "The goal is to address existing problems and maintain the park's original mission of promoting the country's endogenous capacity in science and technology."

"To determine the best transfer roadmap, the impact of the transfer, including policy mechanisms, investment resources, and human organization, has been analyzed and evaluated. Depending on Hanoi's readiness, the government will decide when to transfer."

Do Thanh Long, head of the ministry's office, told a press conference that four documents and projects, including a draft resolution on promoting and using biotechnology for Vietnam's sustainable development, have been completed and submitted to the Government and Prime Minister.

As part of its efforts to develop and improve processes and policies related to science, technology and innovation, the ministry has also planned major events to highlight the contribution of these fields to national development, Long said.