HCM CITY— The authorities of HCM City and the leaders of the Ministry of Planning and Investment and Ministry of Science and Technology met on Thursday with 100 young talented Vietnamese to discuss the favourable conditions the city has created for experts and scientists to work on smart-city projects.

Nguyễn Thanh Phong, chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, said co-operation is key to successful innovation, and that attracting Vietnamese professionals who are working abroad was part of the city’s effort to retain the best talent in the country.

The city has committed to improving the working environment and creating networking opportunities for experts and scientists, he said.

At the seminar, experts and scientists addressed a number of issues, such as gene technology in treatment of diseases, solutions for traffic congestion and pollution, and  environmental monitoring and database systems for the government.

These solutions are expected to help the city become a “smart city” in the future.

Overseas experts and scientists expressed their willingness to cooperate with HCM City as well as other provinces to contribute to the country.

In addition, experts and scientists said that an ecosystem of innovation should be created so the city can connect more Vietnamese experts and scientists around the world.

On May 31, the People’s Committee approved a policy that would help attract experts and scientists.

Under the policy, the city will provide an initial subsidy of VNĐ80 million to VNĐ100 million (US$3,500 to $4,300) per person for scientists and experts after they sign a contract.

Experts and scientists who are professors will be paid at a coefficient of 9.4, while the others will be paid at a coefficient of 8.8

In addition, experts and scientists will receive an allowance of VNĐ50 million to VNĐ1 billion per person per research project. —VNS