Connecting biotechnology development

Biotechnology is increasingly emerging as a key driver of science- and technology-based economic growth and innovation.

A representative of Eco Polymers Co., Ltd., based in the Ho Nai Industrial Park, presents the company’s environmentally friendly materials at the Science and Technology Exhibition during Techfest Dong Nai 2025. Photo: Hai Quan

Biotechnology is a high-impact field with broad applications across sectors, including agriculture, processing industries, healthcare, environmental protection, and national defense and security.

Strong potential in biotechnology

At the National Scientific Workshop on the Strategy for Biotechnology Development for the 2026–2030 Period, with a vision toward 2045, jointly organized by Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, and CT Group at the end of November 2025, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Director of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, shared that the global biotechnology market in 2025 is estimated at around USD 1.8 trillion. This figure is projected to double by 2030, driven primarily by advances in research, the application of artificial intelligence, gene-editing technologies, and the growing demand for advanced solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and industry. In Vietnam, however, the market is only about USD 1.5 billion, accounting for less than 0.1% of the global market.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Hung, Director of the Department of Technical Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology), assessed that Vietnam’s biotechnology sector has made significant progress and has mastered certain advanced technologies. Ministries, sectors, and local authorities are increasingly focusing on and strengthening investment in science and technology capacity, including modernizing laboratories and equipment, prioritizing national-level science and technology programs, promoting the use of domestically produced biotechnology products, and effectively attracting and utilizing high-quality experts and human resources.

Tran Kim Chung, Chairman of CT Group, shared that CT Group identifies biotechnology as one of its five strategic pillars in the new development phase, particularly in areas related to biomedicine, precision agriculture, green energy, and bio-based materials. To achieve breakthrough momentum, the “triple-helix” model (government–university–enterprise) will be a key factor in propelling Vietnam’s biotechnology sector forward in the coming period. CT Group and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, are currently comprehensive strategic partners, closely collaborating on research, the development of national science and technology products, and the training of high-quality human resources.

In Dong Nai, Provincial Party Committee member and Director of the Department of Science and Technology Pham Van Trinh stated that biotechnology has been identified as a key and priority sector, as well as a critical driver for transforming the economic growth model, increasing product value, and promoting green, clean, and sustainable production. Accordingly, Dong Nai Province has integrated the development of applied biotechnology into the Provincial Plan for 2021–2030 and has issued and implemented a series of programs and policies to support the growth of this sector.

These include the Project on Developing the Agricultural Biotechnology Industry for the 2021–2025 period, with orientations toward 2030; the plan for developing and applying biotechnology to serve sustainable national development in the new context; the implementation plan for the Project on Science Development, Application, and Technology Transfer to Promote a Circular Economy in Agriculture through 2030; and the plan for developing the biotechnology industry in the industrial and commercial sectors through 2030.

The province focuses on developing a circular economy, particularly through the application of biotechnology to produce bio-products and organic fertilizers, as well as by implementing biogas-to-electricity models using livestock waste. It also applies molecular biology in research and breeding programs for various crop species and has successfully expanded models using indigenous microbial inoculants (IMO). Across the province, more than 50 technology-enabled production linkages have been established, helping to increase the value of agricultural products and secure stable market outlets.

One of the key tasks and solutions to promote biotechnology development in Dong Nai in the coming period is to sponsor and commission priority science and technology projects in the biotechnology sector. These include high-tech agriculture, healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, green industry and environmental solutions, and food biotechnology. Dong Nai also aims to establish a biotechnology incubation center and collaborate with universities and research institutes to set up a centralized biotechnology R&D hub. This hub would provide shared laboratories and high-cost analytical equipment for enterprises and research teams. At the same time, the province will strengthen the training of highly skilled personnel and support the commercialization of biotechnology products within the province.

Positioning key strategies and priority tasks

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Hung, recognizing the strategic position, role, and importance of biotechnology development and application, the Party and State have consistently paid attention to and created favorable conditions for its advancement. The Politburo issued Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW on developing and applying biotechnology to serve sustainable national development in the new context. In implementing this resolution, the Government issued Resolution No. 189/NQ-CP, adopting an action plan to carry out Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW.

In addition, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, which identifies biotechnology as one of the priority sectors for investment and development.

Furthermore, advanced biomedical technology is listed as one of 11 strategic technology groups in the portfolio of Strategic Technologies and Strategic Technology Products under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1131/QD-TTg, dated June 12, 2025.

At the same workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Ninh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, stated that in order to promote and strengthen biotechnology linkages, it is necessary to improve the legal framework and mechanisms related to biotechnology and to focus investment on priority areas. Localities and relevant units need to train human resources and research personnel in biotechnology, develop bilateral and multilateral research programs, and modernize laboratories, centers, and research institutes in the field.

By Hai Quan - Translated by Tam Binh, Minho