The Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) convened its 21st annual conference in Ho Chi Minh City on October 20, gathering over 400 participants from across the globe.

Themed “Science Parks in Empowering Growth Quality and Competitiveness of National Economy”, the event features reports and studies on live science parks, technologies for better living standards, startup venture capital funding, smart cities, and renewable energy, among others.

ASPA President Hirohisa Uchida stressed environment protection is a global issue that requires joint efforts to solve via the development of sustainable energy sources.  

He said the conference is an opportunity for ASPA members to exchange their initiatives and experience in the field.

Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said the southern economic hub is working to build a 200-hectare science park that is estimated to cost 4.3 trillion VND (189.2 million USD).

The park will help develop green and space technologies serving the city’s growth demand, he added.

Phong called on enterprises to continue investing in the local hi-tech sector, promising a favourable business climate and simplified administrative procedures.

Ho Chi Minh City has so far attracted 130 hi-tech projects worth 6.8 billion USD. By 2020, the sector is expected to generate 10 percent of the city’s gross regional domestic product.

As part of the conference, enterprises from the southern hub of Vietnam and ASPA members will organise an exhibition showcasing their standout products, while outstanding start-ups and hi-tech products will be awarded.

The ASPA is an international non-governmental organisation established in Japan in 1997 to promote development in the fields of science and technology, industry and economy in Asia. It now has 138 members, including three in Vietnam - Saigon Hi-tech Park, Da Nang Hi-tech Park and Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park.-VNA