Ensuring the future

(Baonghean) - On the morning of November 11th, the National Assembly discussed the draft Law on Science and Technology (amended), focusing on technology transfer. A key concern for many delegates was the need to include provisions in the law to prevent anyone from exploiting loopholes to bring outdated technology into Vietnam.

Perhaps after the serious marine environmental pollution incident caused by Formosa Company and, before that, the Central Highlands bauxite project, which stemmed from the use of outdated technology and failure to meet the initial commitments of the investor, we have begun to realize the danger of this issue. In fact, the phenomenon of foreign and domestic companies circumventing regulations to import outdated technology to save on investment costs is not new but has been happening for a long time. Wealthy countries always seek ways to push outdated technologies out.

Outdated technology is often brought to poorer countries to replace old equipment and machinery with new ones, avoiding environmental pollution and waste disposal costs, while also recouping investment costs. However, poorer countries, due to limited funds and personal gain, readily accept and find ways to circumvent oversight by regulatory agencies in this sector. Outdated technology increases production costs, leading to reduced competitiveness in terms of both product quality and price. This ultimately diminishes the competitiveness of the entire economy. Just look at factories on the list of "economic debtors" such as the Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Plant, the Ninh Binh Fertilizer Plant, and the Phu Tho Ethanol Plant... The failure and collapse of these large economic projects are clearly due to outdated equipment and technology. Outdated technologies not only cause economic damage but, more dangerously, also cause severe environmental pollution, both in the short and long term. The dangers of this pollution are immeasurable. In fact, we have experienced and deeply felt the effects of this danger over the past period.

Therefore, a strict legal framework with sufficiently strong sanctions is needed to ensure that no one can, and dares to, bypass the relevant authorities in this field to import technologies that impoverish the country. This is because many localities, in their desire to attract investment and accelerate growth, are willing to turn a blind eye to businesses importing substandard technologies. This has already happened, and the environment in many localities is suffering the consequences of this negligence.

The environment is deteriorating in terms of land, water, air, solid waste, and more. No one can be sure that this won't happen again. Without strict control, we risk unsustainable growth. This means economic growth coupled with rampant, uncontrolled environmental pollution, leading to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, amending and revising the current laws to address these shortcomings is a way to ensure a better future.

Duy Huong