The Standing Committee of the HCM City Party Committee and the Party Committee of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) on March 2 signed a program on strengthening cooperation in science and technology activities from 2024 to 2028.

The event was organized to implement the tasks and solutions in the 15th National Assembly’s Revolution No 98 on applying policies and mechanisms in developing HCM City.

Under the resolution, HCM City will attract and use talent by offering preferences in salary, remuneration, social welfare and other preferences to leaders of state-owned science and technology institutions; and preferences in remuneration when implementing science and technology tasks and improving science and technological activities in the city.

In addition, the city will pilot a mechanism on selecting science and technology programs and projects; a financial mechanism for drawing up financial estimates and public procurement for science and technology programs and projects in three priority fields.

First, AI technology, IoT, Big Data analysis, blockchain, components, electronic microchip circuit designing and manufacturing technologies, robotics, automation and 3D printing technologies.

The second group includes biotechnology, cross-breeding and seed production technology; next-generation technology in treating, processing and preserving farm produce; stem cell technology; advanced microbiological technology; and pharmaceutical technology, equipment, antiviral materials (used in medicine) production technology, biomedical materials, prosthetics and high-tech medical equipment manufacturing.

The third group includes material technology, including nano, materials for manufacturing microelectromechanical components and smart sensors, semiconductor materials, optoelectronics and photonics, advanced 3D printing materials, and biomedical materials.

The city will apply on a trial basis policies on non-refundable support (sourced from regular expenses of the city budget) for innovative projects and startups in priority fields, including e-commerce; fintech, logistics, edtech, healthcare; and hi-tech agriculture, sustainable development, digital transformation and cybersecurity.

HCM City is applying a pilot policy on 5-year exemption for corporate income tax from income generated from innovative activities by innovative startups, science & technology institutions, innovative centers and intermediary organizations that support innovative startups in the city; and an exemption for personal income tax and corporate income tax for individuals and institutions which have income from the transfer of contributed capital and capital contribution rights in innovative startups in the city.

HCM City Mayor Phan Van Mai said at a recent event that the major theme of the city in 2024 is effectively deploying the program on digital transformation and the NA’s Resolution 98.

Trong Dat