Tran Dac Trung, Deputy Head of the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park (HHTP) Management Board, told The Hanoi Times about the park's plan to attract investment and develop the semiconductor industry.

Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, about 30 km from Hanoi.

How has the HHTP Board prepared the resources needed to help the Semiconductor Industry develop?

The Vietnamese government has made semiconductors a high priority and is undertaking a concerted effort to create the conditions for the industry to thrive. At the heart of this initiative is the HHTP, where the development of skilled human capital is a critical factor.

The park's approach to talent cultivation is deeply rooted in practical, real-world experience. Students, researchers and professionals work closely with many domestic and foreign enterprises, which have invested over US$5 billion in the park through 108 projects.

This symbiotic relationship between academia, research institutions and the manufacturing sector has fostered a seamless ecosystem where the latest technological breakthroughs are rapidly translated into cutting-edge products and services. 

We are conscious of our role as a catalyst, actively supporting investors, businesses, experts and the wider talent pool to further Vietnam's ambitions to become a semiconductor powerhouse.

Hoa Lac's mission to nurture technological innovation and entrepreneurship has positioned it as a crucial cog in the country's quest to cement its standing as an emerging hub of creativity and technological prowess. 

We have carefully planned our service offering to support our core objectives. The Park's management focuses on curating a portfolio to attract projects that develop essential social infrastructure for professionals, researchers, businesses and students.

Beyond planning, management is leading administrative reforms, streamlining procedures, and revamping infrastructure and the landscape while proactively shaping policies to create a conducive environment for investors and partners.

This multi-faceted approach, combining strategic foresight, operational efficiency and collaboration, positions Hoa Lac as a dynamic hub where bright minds, cutting-edge technologies and entrepreneurial ambition converge to shape Vietnam's innovation-driven future.

What key policy incentives has the HHTP put in place to attract large-scale investment to the park?

In order to draw in significant investment projects, HHTP has put in place a number of incentives. Businesses that invest more than VND4 trillion, or around $170 million, for example, are now qualified for a 30-year corporate income tax exemption instead of the 15-year one that was previously offered.

The amended Capital Law, recently passed, now provides special incentives and support for the HHTP, such as technology incubation support and the application of a sandbox mechanism.

Furthermore, the HHTP Management Board is planning to roll out various social support policies to complement the existing financial incentives.

We are optimistic that the existing concentration of technology companies in the park will encourage the development of nationally significant products, contributing to local and national socio-economic growth.

In what ways does HHTP's "triple helix" collaboration support innovation and meet its development needs?

The HHTP, with its wealth of research institutions and universities, offers a unique opportunity for synergistic collaboration between government, academia and industry.

This 'triple helix' of government, academia and business can enable the formulation of targeted policy recommendations to address the specific development needs of the high-tech park and its constituent companies.

The role of government is to provide the right policy framework to ensure effective management while encouraging the growth of universities, research institutes and businesses.

HHTP acts as a coordinator, bringing together the various stakeholders to create a cohesive and mutually reinforcing ecosystem.

The tight integration of academia, research and production - the "three pillars" - is one of its most notable successes, as this integration is particularly crucial for the development of advanced technologies.

Can you illustrate this remarkable success?

We are receiving requests for technology upgrades from various biotech companies within the park.

VKIST, a research institute within the HHTP, is one example. The institute's research has led to solutions that are now being applied outside the park, such as water filtration, post-harvest processing and the conversion of agricultural waste into organic products.

The park also serves as a hub for Vietnam's leading information technology and telecommunications companies, such as Viettel, VNPT, and FPT, creating a thriving business community. We are optimistic that nationally significant products will be launched from the park next year.

Thank you for your time!