Can Tho City to Establish Hi-Tech Park Valued Over $192 Million

Can Tho City in southern Vietnam is advancing plans to establish a hi-tech park with an investment of over US$192 million. The city has garnered interest from Korean businesses keen on cooperation in aviation technology applications, high-tech human resource training, technology transfer, innovation, and ICT. Vietnam is currently facing a "window of opportunity" to upgrade the quality of its foreign direct investment (FDI), necessitating a shift from a mindset of solely attracting capital to one focused on selecting, absorbing, and spreading investment value. This move aligns with the nationwide focus on solutions that address specific needs and deliver tangible benefits, spurred by Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued on December 22, 2024, which outlines breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. International cooperation is being strengthened, particularly in advanced technology fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, Big Data, and bioinformatics. The Ministry of Science and Technology has designated the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) as the focal point for gathering research problems and matching them with experts under national sci-tech schemes. Building on its existing AI network, NAFOSTED will develop a system to track these problems alongside a database of Vietnamese scientists abroad. Ho Chi Minh City is finalizing a comprehensive policy framework for identifying, recruiting, deploying, remunerating, assessing, developing, and retaining high-quality personnel, aiming to expand the talent pool and effectively utilize existing capable individuals. Furthermore, the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei is supporting efforts to connect intellectual resources and develop the Vietnamese expert community. Vietnam also views the development of specialized semiconductor chips as a suitable pathway to leverage its strengths and gradually move deeper into the global semiconductor value chain. Participation in international contests and AI contests jointly organized by entities like Sea Limited and OpenAI are also providing opportunities to enhance the skills of students and young talent, fostering community development. The strengthening of investment and international cooperation in Vietnam's science and technology sector is foundational to achieving broader national development goals, including ensuring national energy security as outlined in Politburo Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW, alongside national defense, security, improved living standards, and environmental protection.