A conference was held by Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Science and Technology on methods to promote the formation of science and technology development funds in businesses in the southern city on January 22.

Participants underscored the need to raise the minimum amount of money invested in establishing technology development funds from 3 percent of pre-tax enterprise profits to 5 percent.

According to State regulations, state-owned enterprises are required to spend 3-10 percent of their pre-tax profit to forming funds, while private firms may only invest up to 10 percent.

Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Khac Thanh said the number of enterprises allocating resources to establish funds remains low, especially among private firms.

So far, only 85 enterprises operating in HCM City have established their science and technology development funds, which have spent a total of 139 billion VND (over 6.5 million USD) on technology renovation activities. Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Manh Ha highlighted the importance of establishing technology development funds in enterprises, citing improvements in the efficiency of firms’ production and business.

He suggested the science and technology sector assist enterprises in establishing and effectively using funds, adding that local authorities are accelerating the restructuring of state-owned businesses which will strengthen investments for technology renovation.-VNA