Technology Transfer Law on debate

The eighth session of 14th National Assembly Standing Committee on Thursday turned its agenda toward discussing amendments to the Technology Transfer Law.

The eighth session of 14th National Assembly Standing Committee on Thursday turned its agenda toward discussing amendments to the Technology Transfer Law. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The eighth session of 14th National Assembly Standing Committee on Thursday turned its agenda toward discussing amendments to the Technology Transfer Law.

Phan Xuân Dũng, chairman of the National Assembly Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, proposed major draft law amendments to the committee. The amendments pertain to State policies on transfer technology, technology assessment in investment projects and solutions to encourage technology transfer and develop technology markets.

According to Dũng, Article 34 of the draft law gives priority to those using machines and equipment that Việt Nam manufactured through public purchase.

NA deputies argue that the article conflicts with World Trade Organisation regulations, banning protection of domestic products and those of Investment Law.

The regulation is also said to discourage research, innovation and development of domestically-manufactured technology.

NA Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân demanded a reconsideration of Article 34, wanting to assure that it is “in accordance with Việt Nam’s integration context and Competition Law”.

State assets given to scientific technology researchers must be presented to management agencies after research is finished. These agencies must responsibly managing them as State assets, Ngân said.

Dũng also called it necessary to assess and control imported technology to put an end to obsolete technology that causes pollution and affects human health. The move also aims to prevent impacts on Việt Nam’s investment and business climate.

Ngân said State agencies’ technology assessment responsibilities must be clarified in the law.

“If technology that causes pollution is approved, which agencies must hold responsible?,” she asked.

The committee agreed that technology assessment is a complicated process, especially the assessment of technology transferred from overseas. The assessment time of imported technology must be in accordance with the Investment Law and requires longer time. However, it must reduce unnecessary administrative procedures that cause obstacles for enterprises.

The draft law also proposes the establishment of National Technology Innovation Fund which supports small and medium-sized enterprises to transfer technology and boost technology transfer serving agriculture, forestry and aquatic products in disadvantaged areas.

NA Chairwoman Ngân rejected the fund, saying that it only expands the National Technology Renovation Fund, which is stated in hi-technology law.

The Committee reached final conclusion that the draft law on technology transfer must be reviewed in accordance with Public Asset Management Law and avoid overlaps with laws on State budget, tax, investment, science-technology to ensure its feasibility.

The law terminologies must also be reviewed to ensure the synchronisation with those stated in Law on Science and Technology. — VNS