PM Urges to Speed up Stagnant Hi-Tech Zone Project

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked relevant authorities to accelerate the construction pace of the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Zone in northern Ha Tay province, which is currently much lower than the set target.

 

During his inspection tour of the construction site and working session with the Ministry of Science and Technology on August 12, the government leader called on the ministries, sectors and Ha Tay province to define a model and take appropriate steps to develop the zone, with priority given to planning for high-tech development and measures to encourage businesses to pour money into the zone.

 

He has asked relevant ministries and sectors, and Ha Tay province to concentrate on investment and expansion of key zones, including zones for high-tech research and development in connection with business and trade services.

 

The PM has requested Ha Tay province to draft policies and work out plans for ground clearance, and to continue to invest in the building of infrastructure and to revise the investment plan in accordance with the different development stages of the zone.

 

Commenting on the management model, the PM has urged the Ministry of Science and Technology to strengthen the organization of the High-tech Zone Project Management Board in order to effectively implement measures to develop the zone.

 

The plan for the Hoa Lac High-tech Zone was approved in January 1996 as part of a strategy to attract investment into high-tech development and to create a center for key industries that are conducting high-tech research, development and production.

 

However, the responsible agencies have so far cleared ground on only 200 ha of the total 1,500-ha area set aside for the zone and have invested in only a few of the infrastructure projects. 

 

To date, only six projects with combined capital of $7.1 million have been licensed to invest in the zone, a too modest figure as compared with the stature as well as the potential of a northern hi-tech zone.
Vietnam & World Economy, VNS