Drones and self-driving cars are set to be tested in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City has developed a project to test drone and self-propelled vehicle technology according to Resolution 98, to be submitted to the City People’s Council next July. The information was shared by Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Viet Dung on the afternoon of June 19. According to Resolution 98, effective from August 1, 2023, Ho Chi Minh City is allowed to test new technology solutions within high-tech parks, centralized information technology parks, and innovation centers. Testing new technology is considered a complicated field because it is not included in current regulations. Over the past year, the Department of Science and Technology has organized workshops to consult experts on technology testing mechanisms. Based on this basis, the Department of Construction built a project to test two new technologies: drones and self-propelled vehicles.

According to Mr. Dung, the testing does not require operating frequency licensing, ensuring national security and defense factors. Therefore, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology will advise the city in coordinating negotiation with the Ministry of Defense and relevant agencies in local drone testing procedures. Regarding testing of self-driving cars, it is expected to be held at the High-Tech Park, innovation center. The Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Science and Technology to coordinate construction and testing of policy mechanisms to promote science, technology, and innovation.

The two sides are cooperating to test new policies in Ho Chi Minh City, which will serve as a basis to help the Ministry submit science and technology policies at the central level in the future. The Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City is advising the City People’s Committee to complete the implementation plan to deploy the next steps. Along with implementing the new technology testing mechanism, the Department of Science and Technology will advise the City People’s Committee to present policies on tax exemption and reduction for start-up businesses at the July People’s Council meeting.

According to the 2024 announcement by StatupBlink, Ho Chi Minh City ranked 111th out of 1,000 cities in terms of innovation and startup ecosystems. The city aims to increase its ranking by introducing new policies and ecosystem efforts. Ho Chi Minh City is also set to operate a Startup Innovation Center located in District 3. The center is in the process of completing its legal framework and is expected to operate later this year.