HCM City (VNA) – The Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) convened its 21st annualconference in Ho Chi Minh City on October 20, gathering over 400 participants fromacross the globe.
Themed “ScienceParks in Empowering Growth Quality and Competitiveness of National Economy”,the event features reports and studies on live science parks, technologies forbetter living standards, startup venture capital funding, smart cities, and renewableenergy, among others.
ASPA PresidentHirohisa Uchida stressed environment protection is a global issue that requiresjoint efforts to solve via the development of sustainable energy sources.
He said theconference is an opportunity for ASPA members to exchange their initiatives andexperience in the field.
Nguyen ThanhPhong, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said the southern economichub is working to build a 200-hectare science park that is estimated to cost4.3 trillion VND (189.2 million USD).
The park will helpdevelop green and space technologies serving the city’s growth demand, headded.
Phong called on enterprisesto continue investing in the local hi-tech sector, promising a favourablebusiness climate and simplified administrative procedures.
Ho Chi Minh Cityhas so far attracted 130 hi-tech projects worth 6.8 billion USD. By 2020, thesector is expected to generate 10 percent of the city’s gross regional domesticproduct.
As part of the conference,enterprises from the southern hub of Vietnam and ASPA members will organise anexhibition showcasing their standout products, while outstanding start-ups andhi-tech products will be awarded.
The ASPA is aninternational non-governmental organisation established in Japan in 1997 topromote development in the fields of science and technology, industry andeconomy in Asia. It now has 138 members, including three in Vietnam - SaigonHi-tech Park, Da Nang Hi-tech Park and Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park.-VNA