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| Domestic and international students conduct research at the Biotechnology Laboratory of the International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City__Photo: VNA |
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is collecting public opinions on a draft Resolution of the Government, putting forth special mechanisms and policies to facilitate the implementation of public-private partnership (PPP) projects on science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation.
The draft is intended to apply to domestic and foreign organizations and individuals engaged in the research and development of strategic technologies; the establishment and operation of new digital infrastructure, services and data systems; the training of a digital technology workforce in Vietnam, and other related activities.
Sectors and fields eligible for PPP investment
Under the draft, the PPP mechanism is applicable to projects involving the investment in, development and commercial utilization of, technologies listed as strategic, high or for-transfer ones by the Prime Minister.
The draft also covers the development of digital infrastructure and platforms, including infrastructure aligned with the National Digital Infrastructure Strategy through 2025, with orientations toward 2030; national and shared-use platforms designed to generate and share open data, enabling information connectivity and exchange among state agencies or between state agencies, enterprises and citizens. It also applies to national integrated databases, national databases, and shared-use databases of ministries, sectors and localities; technology trading and data trading platforms; and the national innovation startup exchange.
Smart urban management systems, intelligent monitoring and security systems, and digital government systems may also be treated as projects eligible for the PPP mechanism. National key laboratories for digital technology and strategic technologies; semiconductor laboratories for research, development and training purposes; data centers and cloud computing centers; high-performance computing centers; facilities for measuring, testing and evaluating digital technology products and services are also covered, along with other forms of new digital infrastructure, services and data.
Ministries, sectors, localities and public non-business units may use one or more than one PPP contract, as stipulated in the PPP Law, to implement projects classified into the above-mentioned categories.
State support, incentives and investment guarantee
The State will contribute up to 70 percent of total project investment, including payment of construction, compensation, site clearance, resettlement and temporary infrastructure construction expenses.
Projects that involve scientific research and technology development may receive funding support from the State-established science and technology development funds in accordance with the Law on Science and Technology, the National Assembly’s Resolution 193/2025/QH15, and the Government’s Decree 88/2025/ND-CP.
A revenue risk-sharing mechanism will also apply to projects on science, technology, and innovation. During the first three years of commercial operation, if actual these projects’ revenues fall below the projected levels, the State may compensate up to 100 percent of the revenue shortfall, provided that these projects satisfy the conditions specified in the PPP Law.
If their actual revenues drop below 50 percent of projected amounts, their investors may request early termination of project contracts. In such cases, the State is responsible for reimbursing all lawful investment costs, including infrastructure construction and operation expenses.
PPP project investors and enterprises will also be entitled to tax incentives in accordance with applicable tax laws for revenues generated from science and technology, innovation and digital transformation activities.- (VLLF)
