The Vietnam Technology and Equipment Market 2012 (International Techmart Vietnam ) themed “Joining in integration and sustainable development” kicked off in Hanoi on September 20.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology and the People’s Committees of HCM City and Hanoi , the event is considered as an important highlight in the EU – ASEAN year of science, technology and innovation.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan stressed the need to bring into full play the role of science and technology, and boost the widespread application of scientific achievements for socio-economic development, especially in the context that Vietnam is renewing the model of growth and restructuring the economy towards increasing quality, effectiveness and competitiveness.

The four-day event houses 500 booths showcasing the latest technologies and equipment offered by almost 500 research institutes and firms from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, EU and Russia. The technologies cover a wide range of machinery, electronics, automation, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, health care and environment treatment.

During the event, five seminars on clean technology, food security, new energy and materials, scientific and technological achievements and industry will also be held.

On top of this, an international workshop on green technology and food security is expected to draw delegates from EU and ASEAN. It will touch upon ways of linking researchers and businesses, as well as encouraging businesses to engage in research and development.-VNA