Head of Đà Nẵng Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authorities, Phạm Trường Sơn (right) gives a licence, approving a stem cell research project, to a representative of the Asia Hi-Tech Joint Stock Company. The project is expected to be put into operation in 2024. — Photo courtesy of Đà Nẵng Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authorities

ĐÀ NẴNG — The first-ever research project on stem cells in Đà Nẵng and the central region has been given approval from Đà Nẵng Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authorities, making a crucial step in turning the city into a centre of biological research.

Head of the Đà Nẵng Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authorities (DHPIZA) Phạm Trường Sơn said the Asia Hi-Tech Industries Joint Stock Company will be building the 1ha project in the park’s business incubation centre with an investment of VNĐ454.7 billion (US$20 million).

Sơn said the project will cover scientific research in stem cells including bone marrow cells, umbilical cords, and skin cells for transplant cases, cancer treatment and cosmetic surgeries.

He said it’s the 26th project that has been awarded a licence at the park since its debut in 2013.

It’s expected that the stem cell project would be put into operation in the second quarter of 2024, supplying 300,000 stem cell samples per year.

DHPIZA said it has granted new investment licences to 17 projects including three FDI projects worth VNĐ3.18 trillion ($139 million) and $65 million from domestic investors since early this year.

It said 22 projects had registered to increase investment capital with an amount of VNĐ432 billion ($18.8 million) and $27.52 million from FDI.

The Hi-Tech Park has been designed as a ‘green’ and hi-tech hub for investors, while Information Technology Park is planned as Việt Nam’s ‘Silicon Valley’.

DHPIZA has been seeking domestic and foreign investors in infrastructure work on two new industrial zones (IZs) of Hòa Nhơn, Hòa Ninh, and the second stage of Hòa Cầm IZ on a total 880ha with estimated investment capital of $604 million. — VNS