On the morning of June 15, Vietnam’s first technology trading center was inaugurated at 40 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi. This new type of “market” allows entities to sell equipment or technology, supplementing the existing Techmart and virtual market options.
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The first technology trading center is under the National Center for Science and Technology Information. (Photo: T. An) |
Mr. Ta Ba Hung, Director of the National Center for Science and Technology Information, stated that Vietnam currently has two types of technology markets that serve as brokerage centers for technology trading: the Techmart (physical market) which takes place on a national, regional, or local scale, and the virtual Techmart (online market).
However, the physical Techmart typically lasts only 3-4 days and cannot be held frequently or everywhere, while not everyone has access to the internet for the virtual Techmart. Therefore, the establishment of the technology trading center integrates the benefits of all three: it serves as a display area for showcasing technology products and equipment; it provides access to the virtual Techmart; and it offers consulting and support for businesses regarding negotiations and contract signing. This center is fixed in location, addressing the shortcomings of the two existing formats.
“In Beijing, Shanghai, and major cities in China, technology trading centers operate very actively and effectively. South Korea and Japan have advanced significantly in this area, their markets are highly developed, and the model we currently have has long been outdated in their countries,” Mr. Ta Ba Hung reported. |
In the near future, this national trading center will regularly introduce representative technologies and equipment that have a broad impact. Depending on demand, the center may also organize advisory conferences for businesses, addressing issues such as overcoming technical barriers in trade, and intellectual property matters.
Mr. Hung also mentioned that Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are actively preparing procedures to soon open similar centers, followed by Da Nang, Hai Phong, and several other major cities. This will create a system of “wholesale markets,” making it easier for people in different regions to access technology products. However, these centers will not completely replace the Techmarts.
It is expected that in the first year of operation, businesses will receive information for free or at very low costs. In the following period, the center will operate according to the market’s supply and demand dynamics.
Thuan An
