Viet Nam’s first science complex breaks ground in Binh Dinh Province

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (second left) discusses with scientists at the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoang Kha

HA NOI (VNS) — A ceremony was held yesterday morning to mark the start of the nation’s first science complex in the south central province of Binh Dinh.

The 3.8ha complex is located inside the precinct of the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education in Ghenh Rang Ward, Quy Nhon City.

With an investment capital of VND171 billion (US$7.84 million) from the State budget, the first national science complex comprises a planetarium, a science museum and an astronomical observatory. Construction is due to be completed in 2017.

The complex will be circular building and said to be in complete harmony with the area’s natural landscape and space.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Prime Minster Vu Duc Dam said he hoped the complex and similar works and activities in other localities would brighten many scientific dreams.

Highlighting the role of science and technology in the development of any country, the Deputy PM said that if Viet Nam wanted to escape from the middle-income trap, it must maintain high economic growth for many years.

“Besides factors such as thrift, industriousness, and discipline, we must promote creativeness and passion, nurture talent and accelerate scientific and technological research and application,” said Dam.

At a press conference in Quy Nhon City on Friday, chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Ho Quoc Dung, said the complex would not only serve scientific purposes, but also be a particular tourist attraction.

“The complex is one way of popularising science and nurturing people’s love for it,” Dung said.

The Deputy PM said the complex would be a source of inspiration for young people throughout Viet Nam.

He said he believed scientific and technological studies in the locality would improve production and business activities. He predicted that Binh Dinh would continue to act as a destination for domestic and international scientists.

To mark the occasion, the Meet Viet Nam Assocation held an international conference on physics with the participation of Vietnamese American Professor Luu Le Hang from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The professor has received many awards for astronomy, including the Kavli Prize shared with Jewitt and Michael E. Brown.

The Meet Viet Nam Organisation, chaired by Vietnamese-French Professor Tran Thanh Van, will organise other international workshops on physics and open classes on astrophysics, particle physics and field physics. The activities will take place until Saturday.

New development

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam also attended a ceremony to announce a master plan for Quy Nhon City and the surrounding area.

Dam handed over a decision dated April 14, 2015 by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung which outlines the construction of the city with a vision to 2050 to chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ho Quoc Dung.

According to the Decision No 495/QD-TTg, Quy Nhon City will cover an area of more than 67,780ha, encompassing the current Quy Nhon City, Tuy Phuoc District and parts of Van Canh and Phu Cat districts.

Under its development goals towards 2025, the city aims to become one of the main urban areas in the central coastal region and to develop its industry, sea ports, services and tourism sectors. The city’s population is projected to reach 620,000 in 2025.

By 2035, Quy Nhon will become a national marine economic centre with a population of 650,000 to 680,000.

Quy Nhon will hold a crucial position in Viet Nam and Southeast Asia and be capable of attracting large investors and developing international co-operation in the fields of healthcare, education, tourism, environment, science and high-quality human resources.

Also yesterday, work started on the Ho Phu Hoa Tourism – Culture – Sports Urban Area in Quy Nhon City. The 325ha complex has investment capital of VND7 trillion (US$321 million). — VNS

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