Vietnam strives to lead biotechnology in Asia

Vietnam targets having a globally advanced biotechnology sector and becoming one of the top 10 Asian countries in terms of bio-tech production and services by 2030.

The targets were outlined in a resolution issued by the Politburo, the Communist Party's decision-making body, on the development and application of biotechnology for national sustainable development in the new situation. The document was signed by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on January 30, 2023.

Accordingly, the development of biotechnology is a global trend and an important driving force in renewing the growth model; restructuring the economy; ensuring social welfare, national defense and security; and improving people's living standards.

In the next seven years, biotechnology will become an important economic and technical sector in Vietnam, with firms increasing their investment scale and growth rate by 50% and replacing at least half of their imported bio-tech products with self-produced ones. The industry is expected to contribute to 7% of the gross domestic product (GDP), the resolution reads.

By 2045, Vietnam is expected to have a globally developed bio-tech sector and become one of the leading hubs of smart production and services as well as bio-tech start-ups and innovations in Asia.

The sector will add 10-15% to the nation’s GDP. To that end, the Politburo requests Party committees and relevant units to fully grasp the Party’s policies and guidelines and the State’s laws on biotech development and application.

They must also continue fine-tuning laws, mechanisms and policies in this field, as well as take measures to encourage businesses, organisations and individuals to get involved in biotechnology research and application.

Party committees and authorities are requested to direct the development and effective application of biotechnology in production and daily life, thus turning biotechnology into an important economic and technical industry serving national construction and safeguarding.

Relevant agencies are also ordered to assist biotechnology enterprises in improving their ability to access new technologies and intellectual property; branding and commercializing products; and efficient use of high-value inventions in the world.

The Politburo pays special attention to training of human resources, placing focus on building a model for training biotech human resources from general education to tertiary and post-graduate education; strengthening linkages between enterprises and training institutions; forming and developing international-level research groups.