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.

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