The Security Industry Development Investment Fund is a non-budgetary state financial resource, established at the central level and managed by the Ministry of Public Security. Its purpose is to invest in and support the implementation of programs, projects, and activities - accepting risk and venture investments - to develop the national security industry.

A particularly notable addition to the law is a section on the National Security Industrial Complex, which outlines its functions, duties, core members, participants, and the state's support policies.

The complex will be state-led and strategically guided, with a core made up of key security industry establishments. It will include participation from organizations and enterprises both inside and outside the People's Public Security Forces that possess resources and technological capabilities to carry out the mission of developing Vietnam’s security industry.

Its functions will include scientific and technological research and application; designing, manufacturing, testing, producing, finalizing, repairing, modifying, and modernizing security industry products and services - focusing on key product groups and sectors.

These sectors include network safety and cybersecurity services; products and services for big data, cloud computing, blockchain, and AI applications based on national data; technical products for investigative and forensic services; support tools, police uniforms and gear; patrol equipment for coastal and riverine areas; fire prevention and rescue tools; biotech products for biosecurity; and aviation security technology and equipment.

The complex will also take responsibility for mastering strategic, foundational, and core technologies; transferring and receiving cutting-edge technologies; mobilizing national resources to develop the security industry; researching and producing goods and services for civilian use; and appropriately transferring technologies to civil industries to contribute to socioeconomic development.

No overlap between defense and security industrial complexes

Before the law was passed, some lawmakers raised concerns about potential overlaps between the National Defense Industrial Complex and the newly proposed National Security Industrial Complex. They called for a clear coordination mechanism to prevent redundancy and waste.

In response, the Government clarified that the law distinctly defines the functions and responsibilities of each complex. They are composed of different participating entities and are tasked with developing separate groups of products, ensuring independence and avoiding duplication.

Some representatives recommended a more thorough review of security industry products and services to ensure that critical development areas are not overlooked. Others proposed removing the specific list of products and instead allowing the Government to define them to maintain flexibility in future development.

The Government stated that the currently listed product groups are priority items, identified by competent authorities, with development targets set through 2030 and a long-term vision to 2045.

These product groups serve the operational needs of the People's Public Security Forces and are characterized by specialized scientific and technological elements. Their development necessitates the formation of a coordinated complex between core security industry facilities and partner organizations and businesses within and beyond the public security sector.

By defining these products and services under the complex's functional provisions, the law emphasizes the unique role of the National Security Industrial Complex, distinguishing it from the defense industrial complex and from standalone security production activities. This approach avoids the need to amend existing regulations or disrupt the overall legal framework.

To maintain adaptability, the law also includes a provision allowing for "other products and services as determined by competent authorities," ensuring timely adjustments aligned with technological and industry trends.

Tran Thuong