The annual Vietnam International Innovation Exhibition (VIIE) is expected to contribute to making Vietnam a regional destination of innovation in the era of the fourth Industrial Revolution, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the opening ceremony of the VIIE and the groundbreaking event of the National Innovation Center (NIC) on January 9.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and delegates attend the opening ceremony of the VIIE 20201 on January 9.

Speaking at the event in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, Hanoi, the Prime Minister emphasized that advanced technology and hi-tech employees are decisive factors for the country to make development breakthoughs and avoid the middle-income trap.

Mr. Phuc highly appreciated the determination and efforts of the Ministry of Planning and Investment to organize the exhibition for the first time, praising it as the practical action to implement the Politbureau Resolution on taking advantage of Industry 4.0 for national development and promote the central role of local enterprises in the innovation ecosystem.

He hoped the exhibition will be a typical annual international event on Vietnam's innovation, contributing to promoting the deep connection among the participants of the innovation ecosystem and expanding cooperation with international partners.

He also welcomed ministries and branches’ proposal to designate January 10 each year as the National Innovation Day.

Within this framework of the VIIE, the groundbreaking ceremony of the NIC also took place on the same day. With the symbol of an eagle taking off, the center is expected to create ideal sandbox for new policies testing, infrastructure and working environment to develop Vietnam's innovation ecosystem in accordance with the world standards, the PM said.

“I hope that in the coming time, central ministries, branches of Hanoi and international partners will continue to work together for the development of the NIC, which will put into operation and become the pioneer in fostering Vietnam’s innovation,” he added.

The Prime Minister also asked ministries, branched, policymakers and the NIC to research policies and legal framework; encourage and promote innovation in the business community, especially in the field of creative startups; promote the linkage between domestic and foreign innovation networks through the NIC.