The annual startup promotion event Techfest Vietnam 2017, themed “Ecosystem connect”, began in Hanoi on November 14.


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Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam (front, second, right) talks to startup representatives at the Techfest Vietnam 2017 (Photo: baodautu.vn)


Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam stated Vietnam welcomes international investors and scientists to join its innovative efforts, making creative startup a practical movement. 

A legal framework coupled with support from the Government and succeeded pioneers are key to the startup development, he added.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Science and Technology debuted the national portal for startup and innovation – www.startup.gov.vn – to help people access updated information, opportunities, and success stories nationwide.

With larger scale compared to last year’s edition, the Techfest Vietnam 2017 was estimated to attract up to 4,500 visitors, 200 startups, and 130 investors and funds.

It featured six potential arenas for startup-related activities – agriculture, education, tourism – food services, health, new technologies, and start-up support communities.

The 2016 Techfest attracted nearly 170 investors and more than 3,000 visitors.

With young population, Vietnam is working towards becoming a start-up nation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). The Government targets to have one million effective enterprises by 2020.-VNA