Dr. Dang Tat Thanh: If we talk about biotechnology, it has been implemented since 2005 after Directive 50 issued by the Secretariat. Since then, many ministries and agencies have been involved in the implementation of tasks that relates to biotechnology development, in which the Ministry of Industry and Trade implements a project to develop and apply biotechnology in the processing industry until 2020. After 10-15 years of implementation nationwide, we have accomplished a lot. However, the researches regarding biotechnology, which has been applied and initially implemented on an industrial scale, have been largely basic science researches. There are few applicable products with practical and significant results delivered to the market.

Therefore, the concept of biotechnology is not yet popular. In 2017, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 553/QĐ-TTg approving the Master Plan on Development of Biological Industry in Vietnam. This biotechnology regulatory system and framework plays an important role in the development of biotechnology.

Dr. Dang Tat Thanh: In the period of 2030, the Biotechnology Development Project of the Ministry of Industry and Trade is still oriented towards focusing on enterprises and promoting the manufacturing of valuable goods from readily available raw ingredients. Besides, in order to support enterprises, we need to promulgate better policies and deliver master plans. In recent years, we have invested a lot but the state budget is not enough to meet the needs of implementing all tasks, from initial research to end-products. We also need to continue supporting enterprises with human resources’ training courses and scientists’ collaboration, then technology can be transferred and decoded before applying to the enterprises. In addition, it is easier for our enterprises to find information related to technology or products that are appropriate for our development orientation.

A chain process should be implemented, which means assisting enterprises with research and production regarding to product, design, as well as promotion process.

Dr. Dang Tat Thanh: In preparation for connection between enterprises and scientists, and suitable technology transformation into enterprises, what we need are intermediaries. They have already invested in research infrastructure and equipment to support scientists and ensure the readiness of technology transformation. All enterprises need to do is access technology.

The database related to experts is also necessary for these centers because, besides the demand for technology, experts are crucial advisors. This database will definitely be useful for enterprises. These centers can help promote enterprises in both production and communication after receiving technical support.

Dr. Dang Tat Thanh: After 13 years of implementation, the project of developing biotechnology applications in the processing industry of the Ministry of Industry and Trade has achieved some practical results, with nearly 300 technological processes researched, hundreds of products studied and produced. Also, various products have been traded in the market.

Dr. Dang Tat Thanh: In fact, the source of raw materials in Vietnam is plentiful such as rice, maize, sweet potatoes, and cassava…which are farm products or by-products in the processing of farm products, seafood raw materials, and their by-products. Recently, we have used technology to exploit and research before producing high added-value products. However, we have not implemented comprehensively and continuously (from raw materials to products in the market). Therefore, the concept of “chain” means supporting enterprises and researchers to study from raw materials to the final product, completing and promoting trade. And the environmental and food safety must be ensured in the production process, then it can be a circular production process.

Dr. Dang Tat Thanh: In the upcoming period, we must improve the research processes in both chains and cycles. Not only vertically, but also horizontally. It means we must fully exploit the materials in the aspect of output, characteristics, and technology clusters, then product chains. High added value depends on this chain.

I think that in the future, we will have to implement developing research clusters that fit different types of materials. For example, fermented products - one of our strengths. Since there are a lot of fermented products produced in Vietnam, we can continue studying and developing to create products with higher added value, or even pharmaceutical materials - from rich sources of medicinal plants and mushrooms. We can produce pharmaceutical products that are either raw or end-products, such as health supplements or ingredients used in the medicinal process. We also need to exploit and manufacture the equipment related to the technological process in order to create ones that are 100% our own, both pieces of research, technologies, and equipment.

The domestic distribution system must be improved to assist the trade promotion of products and technologies. This is also what we need to do in the next phase to successfully implement the process of industrialization and modernization.

Dr. Dang Tat Thanh: The project follows the main goals and specific objectives of Decision 553/QĐ-TTg issued by the Prime Minister. It will promote:

• Study and maximize the values of raw material areas to create product chains and supply for the domestic market.

• Monitor investments in infrastructure and laboratories to establish effective laboratories and support national researches.

• Participate in experts and human resources’ training process in biotechnology.

Through the process of implementing scientific and technological activities, combining three tasks above will result in success in the next period.

MC: Thank you!​