On the morning of November 14, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council passed a Resolution stipulating criteria, fields, and contents of support for controlled testing of new technology solutions within the scope of high-tech parks and concentrated information technology parks in Ho Chi Minh City.
Unmanned aerial vehicle testing area at Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park (Thu Duc City).
These vehicles need to meet technical criteria including: Wingspan from 400-1,570 mm, length from 200-1,570 mm, height from 100-715 mm, maximum take-off weight of 70 kg and maximum flight speed of 100 km/h; testing time from 7am to 5pm.
For self-driving cars, the testing area will be located at Quang Trung Software Park (District 12) and Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park.
The test vehicle is only allowed to run at a maximum speed of 20 km/h and is equipped with an intelligent remote control system that fully displays travel information such as travel mode, time, battery voltage, satellite signal, and travel speed. The vehicle also needs to have information equipment, navigation equipment, and a travel monitoring system to ensure stable and safe operation in the test area.
To serve the testing, Ho Chi Minh City will invest about 5.76 billion VND, of which 4.8 billion VND will be for facilities such as protective fences, monitoring systems, communication infrastructure, control and rescue equipment in the testing areas.
The budget also supports the establishment of an Advisory Council to evaluate test results and supports intellectual property registration procedures for inventions and industrial designs.
With the characteristics of a large urban area, frequent crowded events and the need to monitor many key areas, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has proposed testing this technology in various fields.
Security and rescue: Major event monitoring, key area surveillance, search and rescue, and fire prevention.
Logistics: Delivery and infrastructure inspection in special environments, improving management and distribution efficiency.
High-tech agriculture: Support monitoring and mapping, spraying, fertilizing, harvesting and transporting agricultural products.
Environment: Monitoring air and water quality, biodiversity conservation, and waste collection.
Arts and entertainment: Light shows, art performances and advertisements, bringing new experiences to residents and tourists.
During the discussion of the proposal, some opinions said that the resolution should not specify too many details about technical parameters to avoid having to adjust them later.
Mr. Bui Ta Hoang Vu - Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City, expressed concern: "If the specifications are too detailed such as wingspan or operating time, then when businesses want to change to adapt to new technology, they will encounter difficulties."
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai said that the controlled pilot was an initiative of the locality to request special mechanisms and policies, after consulting with central agencies. Mr. Mai emphasized: "The controlled pilot requires limits to ensure safety."
Mr. Mai agreed with the proposal of the HCMC People's Council to assign the HCMC People's Committee to be flexible in adjusting technical parameters to meet changing technology trends.
After the explanation, the HCMC People's Council unanimously approved this resolution, the controlled pilot policy will officially take effect from November 24.
