Vinh Long promotes biotechnology application for sustainable development
On 31 July 2026, a symposium on sustainable development was held by the Vietnam Union of Sciences and Technology Associations in Vinh Long (VUSTA Vinh Long) in collaboration with local state agencies and educational institutions.
Participations at the symposium
The symposium entitled “Adopting biotechnology for sustainable development in Vinh Long: Connecting research, technology transfer, and innovation” featured three presentations delivered by representatives of the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture and Environment, and Vinh Long University of Technology Education (VLUTE). The presentations focused on practical issues, including: Biotechnology application for sustainable development – Context, opportunities, and development orientations in Vinh Long Province; Biotechnology Application for green agricultural development and climate change adaptation in Vinh Long Province; and Promoting university SPIN-OFF enterprises through the triple helix model: Research, innovation, and biotechnology transfer for sustainable development in Vinh Long Province.
During the symposium, participants acknowledged Vinh Long Province's significant achievements in applying biotechnology to support socio-economic development. To date, the province has proactively implemented 83 science and technology projects in biotechnology, with a total investment of 142.25 billion VND. These projects have resulted in the development of 13 new varieties, more than 70 technological processes, support for internationally certified paddy fields and coconut production areas meeting EU and USDA standards, and advances in modern biomedical technologies.
The province has also mastered in vitro tissue culture techniques for propagating high-value crops, including tissue culture of green Siamese coconuts with ability to adapt to saline intrusion. In addition, microbial products such as Trichoderma, Bacillus, and Ometar, together with IPHM models and circular livestock waste treatment technologies, have been widely applied. Vinh Long has also taken the lead in promoting innovation through the development of spin-off enterprises under the Triple Helix model, facilitating the commercialisation of scientific research from laboratories to the marketplace.
During the panel discussion chaired by People's Physician Dr. Ngo Van Tan, President of VUSTA Vinh Long, participants discussed a number of practical challenges. These included the fragmented nature of agricultural production, with farm sizes averaging only 0.2–0.5 hectares per household, the high initial investment costs for biotechnology equipment, the shortage of highly qualified human resources and leading experts in biotechnology, insufficient coordination among the Quadruple Helix stakeholders—government, scientists, enterprises, and farmers—and the limited commercialisation of research outcomes and private-sector investment in biotechnology.
Representatives from various organisations, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Thai Hung (Sciences and Technology Department), Dr. Tran Thanh Thy (VLUTE), and Mr. Doan Tan Dat (Director of Tan Dat Agricultural Production and Service Co-operative), held a dialogue on the mechanisms for commissioning demand-driven research, policies on intellectual property protection, supporting product commercialisation, and developing a sustainable innovation ecosystem for the province.
In his closing remarks, People’s Physician, Dr. Ngo Van Tan – President of VUSTA Vinh Long underscored four strategic orientations aiming at turning biotechnology into a key driver for Vinh Long’s socio-economic breakthrough by 2030, with a vision toward 2045. These orientations entail: improving institutional mechanism of the quadruple helix stakeholders to encourage Spin-off enterprise at universities to accelerate the commercialisation of biotechnology products; promoting the application of biological products, organic fertilisers, biological pest management, and circular technology for environmental treatment in agriculture, aquaculture, and healthcare, while prioritising biotechnology solutions for climate change and saline intrusion adaptation; enhancing training and capacity building for technical personnel, agricultural extension officers, and co-operatives; attracting high-profiled experts, and continuing investment in local modern laboratories; and effectively integrating state budget with investment funds, green finance, and funds from the private sector.
