The Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City has announced plans to test drone and self-propelled vehicle technology, in accordance with Resolution 98. This project will be submitted to the City People’s Council next July. Director Nguyen Viet Dung shared this information on June 19, explaining that testing new technology is a complicated field due to current regulations not including it. Over the past year, the Department has organized workshops with experts to develop testing mechanisms.
The two new technologies to be tested are drones and self-driving cars. Drone testing will not require operating frequency licensing, ensuring national security and defense factors. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology will advise the city in coordinating negotiations with the Ministry of Defense and relevant agencies on local drone testing procedures. Self-driving car testing is expected to take place at the High-Tech Park and innovation center.
Recently, the Department of Science and Technology signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Science and Technology to coordinate construction and testing of policy mechanisms promoting science, technology, and innovation. The two sides are working together to test new policies in Ho Chi Minh City, which will serve as a basis for submitting science and technology policies at the central level in the future.
In addition to implementing the new technology testing mechanism, the Department of Science and Technology is advising the City People’s Committee to present policies on tax exemption and reduction for start-up businesses at the July People’s Council meeting. According to StatupBlink’s 2024 announcement, Ho Chi Minh City ranked 111th out of 1,000 cities in terms of innovation and startup ecosystems. The city aims to increase its ranking by introducing new policies and ecosystem efforts. Ho Chi Minh City is also set to operate a Startup Innovation Center located in District 3, which is currently completing its legal framework and expected to operate later this year.
