Vietnam Accelerates High-Tech Agriculture Development: New Decree Clarifies Establishment Requirements

The Vietnamese government has issued Decree No. 263/2026/NĐ-CP, outlining new regulations for the establishment of High-Tech Agriculture Applied Zones (HTAs). This decree, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, aims to accelerate the development of the high-tech agriculture sector. According to the new regulations, the proposed area for an HTA must be situated within the development space or orientation identified in approved regional or provincial plans. Furthermore, land use quotas for the area must be allocated within the provincial land use planning and plans. HTAs must ensure seamless external connectivity with transportation and technical infrastructure systems. They are also required to have agreements for cooperation and linkage with agricultural and environmental science and technology organizations and universities, as well as plans for the production and commercialization of scientific products. Suitable natural conditions aligned with the HTA's development objectives are also a key consideration. The designated area for an HTA must be sufficient to accommodate activities fulfilling the functions and tasks stipulated in Article 4 of the decree, ensuring long-term development potential. The spatial organization should be rational, avoiding fragmentation and dispersion. Integrated technical infrastructure, along with mechanisms for management, maintenance, and repair, is essential. Compliance with national defense, security, and environmental protection regulations is also mandated. Moreover, HTAs need to have feasible plans for resource utilization to ensure continuous operations and development orientation. This includes plans for research capacity development, attracting and utilizing high-quality human resources and innovative management personnel, and human resource training and development. Cooperation with scientific and technological organizations, research institutes, universities, enterprises, and cooperatives will be encouraged. Market development plans for high-tech products and intellectual property protection and exploitation are also crucial elements. This decree is part of Vietnam's national strategy to integrate advanced technologies into its agricultural sector, aiming to enhance productivity and achieve sustainable development. Under its one-party system, the government prioritizes economic growth, and technological innovation in agriculture is expected to bolster food security and export competitiveness.