As Hai Phong City strives to implement its 2026 theme of "Active implementation, driving motivation, and breakthrough growth," the field of Science and Technology (S&T) has recorded significant institutional advancements. To realize the vision of becoming a "Global Connection City"and a regional technology hub, the City People's Committee has issued a series of decisions announcing new administrative procedures focusing on strategic "raw materials" such as semiconductor chips, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new technology testing mechanisms.
Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Semiconductor and AI Experts
A key highlight is the official announcement of procedures to support human resource development policies in semiconductors and AI within the city for the 2025–2030 period. This step concretizes Resolution No. 16/2025/NQ-HĐND of the City People's Council, aiming to create a superior competitive advantage in the race to attract technological talent.
Under the new procedures issued in March 2026, experts and scientists in these fields will enjoy highly attractive incentives:
- Direct Financial Support: A one-time support grant of up to 100 million VND per person.
- Housing Policy: Financial assistance for house rentals to ensure experts can focus on their work in the port city.
- Research Promotion: Rewards for achievements in research and development, along with funding to participate in international scientific conferences.
The implementation process is designed to be streamlined, allowing experts to submit applications directly or online through the National Public Service Portal by May or October each year. The Department of Science and Technology serves as the appraisal agency, coordinating with Expert Councils to ensure objectivity and proper targeting before reporting to the City People's Committee for final support decisions.
"Sandbox" Mechanism – A Lever for Breakthrough Technology Solutions
Moving beyond just attracting talent, Hai Phong is pioneering a "safe space" for new ideas through Controlled Testing (Sandbox) licenses for new technological solutions. This helps businesses minimize legal risks when deploying unprecedented technologies.
According to Decision No. 303 issued in early 2026, organizations and businesses based in Hai Phong can register to test technological solutions and new business models. The appraisal process is strictly regulated yet transparent:
- Processing Time: 45 working days from the receipt of a valid application.
- Authority: The Economic Zone Management Board leads for proposals within industrial and economic zones; the Department of Science and Technology handles all other cases.
- Flexibility: Businesses can propose exemptions from certain existing legal regulations that are no longer suitable for new technologies, which are then submitted to the City People's Council for review and decision.
Additionally, the city announced procedures for appraising financial support for leasing S&T infrastructure. Innovative startups or innovation projects can be supported to lease infrastructure directly without bidding for business operations. This is regarded as practical "hardware" support for the city's innovation ecosystem.
Modernizing Administration through "Digital Diplomacy" and Digital Transformation
The announcement of these administrative procedures is not merely a document release but is closely linked to the city's drastic administrative reform efforts. The decisions emphasize the "one-stop, inter-agency one-stop" mechanism and promote online application submissions.
The Office of the City People's Committee is tasked with publicizing these procedures on the National Database, ensuring all organizations and individuals can access information accurately and timely. Furthermore, the timeframe for building internal procedures is strictly limited to 02 working days from the decision's effective date to ensure immediate implementation.
These strong support mechanisms for semiconductors and AI will serve as "valuable assets" for the Department of Foreign Affairs to introduce, promote, and attract major technology corporations from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Europe.
Leadership Vision and Commitment
This event takes place as the city's leadership apparatus has been consolidated, with Mr. Le Ngoc Chau serving as the Secretary of the City Party Committee. He has committed to the spirit of “Say it, do it, do it now, do it right, and do it drastically”. These S&T policies represent the concretization of the 14th National Party Congress's Resolution and the city's strategic goals toward 2030.
With these new administrative procedures for semiconductors, AI, and technology testing, Hai Phong is sending a powerful message to the international intellectual and business community: Hai Phong is not only a traditional maritime trading gateway but is evolving into a "Global Learning City" and an ideal landing pad for future technology industries.