The fourth Asia Science Park Association (ASPA) Leaders Meeting, themed “Roles of Respective Stakeholders in Hi-tech Development” opened in Hanoi on May 20.

Addressing the opening ceremony, ASPA Chairman Lee Joong-hyun said that hi-tech parks will become headquarters of the intellectual and technological industry in Asia.

Despite various difficulties facing regional countries, including cultural differences and competition in the industrial and commercial structure, the association will lead industrial and technological networks in Asia and is ready to contribute to building an Asian community through technological transfer, he added.

The meeting will discuss several major topics such as roles of respective stakeholders in hi-tech development, strategy for hi-tech development and ASPA role in promoting cooperation in the Asian region.

The event also offers member countries an opportunity to expand and consolidate their network and share innovative information.

Established in Japan in 1997, ASPA is a non-governmental organisation which aims to serve scientific and technological, industrial and economic development in the Asian region.

The association is attempting to build new models for Asian industries, strengthen mutual cooperation through the exchange of information and technology and encourage the establishment of an Asian community.

The same day, the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park Management Board granted an investment licence to the FPT University project as part of the meeting’s activities.

Work on the project will start in July 2009 and major constructions are expected to be completed in late 2010. Covering 30ha in the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, the FPT University will be built at a total cost of over 2.6 trillion VND (149 million USD)./.