The global biotechnology market in 2025 is estimated at around USD 1.8 trillion, while Vietnam’s market stands at only about USD 1.5 billion – accounting for less than 0.1%.
The billion-dollar market
On November 29, CT Group, in collaboration with Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), organized the National Scientific Conference on “Biotechnology Development Strategy for 2026-2030, with a Vision to 2045.”
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Mai, Deputy Director of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, stated that the global biotechnology market in 2025 is estimated to reach approximately USD 1.8 trillion and is forecast to double by 2030.
This growth is propelled by major driving forces, including advancements in scientific research, the integration of artificial intelligence, gene-editing technologies, and the increasing demand for innovative solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and industry.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Deputy Director of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, speaking at the conference. Photo: Trong Tin
Citing several statistics, Ms. Mai noted that Vietnam’s biotechnology market is currently valued at around USD 1.5 billion, accounting for less than 0.1% of the global market. In comparison with other major Asian markets, China’s biotech market is estimated to be nearly 100 times larger than Vietnam’s, Japan’s about 55 times, South Korea’s 28 times, and India’s around 25 times.
“These figures are deeply concerning to us”, Ms. Mai said, expressing her expectation that stakeholders will work together and pool resources to help Vietnam keep pace with countries in the region. “If we don’t act now, we will certainly miss the extraordinary growth momentum of the biotechnology sector.”
Mr. Huynh Thanh Đat, Deputy Chairperson of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for Communication and Mass Mobilization, emphasized that biotechnology represents a critical “knowledge-based foundation”, contributing to safeguarding health security, food security, and environmental security, while at the same time opening up new growth opportunities for the national economy in the next phase of development.
However, he cautioned that if efforts remain focused solely on promoting scientific research without converting it into tangible products or building production and commercialization capacity, it will be very difficult to achieve the major goals set forth in the Party’s Resolutions.
At present, there remain significant limitations in institutional frameworks and administrative procedures, while regulatory sandboxes and risk management mechanisms are yet to be fully adapted to the specific characteristics of the biotechnology sector.
The linkage among the “three pillars” – the State, the Scientists and the Businesses has not yet formed a complete value chain from research to commercialization. Shared infrastructure and platforms such as standardized laboratories, calibration centers, testing facilities, and biological data systems remain fragmented, lack synchronization, and do not meet international standards.
Furthermore, financial mechanisms and investment resources for long-term, high-risk yet high-potential programs are still inadequate and not commensurate with development needs.
Collaboration among The State, The Scientists, and The Businesses will be a key factor in propelling Vietnam’s biotechnology sector forward in the coming period. Photo: Trọng Tín
Mr. Tran Kim Chung, Chairman of CT Group, emphasized the need to develop the National Digital Twin NDT 15, near-space economy, and quantum computing as technological levers for Vietnam’s biotechnology sector.
The National Digital Twin not only represents an extremely powerful digital infrastructure supporting biotechnology but also enhances national competitiveness, disaster response, and climate change adaptation, while creating a breakthrough for smart agriculture.
The near-space economy, or low-altitude economy, is generating new drivers for economic growth, particularly in the fields of precision agriculture, plant and animal health, and carbon credits.
Quantum computing provides advanced and extremely powerful computational tools for biotechnology, especially in gene technology. “It is known that Vietnam currently has one quantum computer. I would like to boldly propose that Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City request central-level support to utilize it for the five-year plan of the Biotechnology and Quantum sectors,” he suggested.
Strong innovation in experimental mechanisms and risk management
In the 2026–2030 period, Mr. Huynh Thanh Đat stated that the focus will be on mastering a number of core technologies, thereby developing “Make in Vietnam” biotechnology products in areas with high potential and demand, such as pharmaceuticals, high-tech agriculture, and environmental protection.
The selection of priority products should be based on social needs, market scale, standardization and verification feasibility, pioneering units, and must involve the active participation of enterprises from the very beginning.
At the same time, it is necessary to continue improving institutional frameworks by strongly innovating experimental mechanisms and risk management (sandbox), ensuring that space for innovation is created without compromising public safety or undermining social trust.
Mr. Tran Kim Chung, Chairman of CT Group, speaking at the Conference. Photo: Trong Tin
Mr. Tran Kim Chung stated that CT Group will continue to provide policy consultation for key biotechnology programs and participate in the scientific and technological councils of research institutes and universities to contribute practical, enterprise-based perspectives.
“We will serve as a bridge to connect networks of enterprises and international investors, helping Vietnam’s biotechnology programs integrate into the global cooperation flow,” he said.
In addition, collaboration among the three pillars will be a key factor in driving Vietnam’s biotechnology sector to breakthrough achievements in the coming period.1
CT Group and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City are currently comprehensive strategic partners, working closely together on research, development of national science and technology products, and training of high-quality human resources.
The two sides will jointly invest in the development of applied laboratories. CT Group will sponsor research projects that are directly linked to market demand, accelerating the process from idea to product. At the same time, CT Group will support the operation of pilot-scale models and product testing, helping research outcomes to be quickly commercialized.
CT Group is committed to equity participation and venture investment in potential projects. “We aim to accompany start-ups and spin-offs of faculty, scientists, and students over the long term, creating new enterprises with an innovative spirit and making positive contributions to the national biotechnology ecosystem,” said Mr. Tran Kim Chung.
CT Group has also proposed a bio-corneal transplantation project to benefit 600,000 visually impaired people.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Conference, Mr. Tran Kim Chung, Chairman of CT Group, noted that Vietnam Gene and Cell Technology (VGCT), a member of CT Group, is currently a pioneering unit in Vietnam in biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and stem cell research.
Mr. Tran Kim Chung, Chairman of CT Group, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Conference. Photo: Trong Tin
Aligned with a sustainable development orientation, Vietnam Gene and Cell Technology (VGCT) aims to build an indigenous biotechnology ecosystem, laying the foundation for Vietnam to emerge as a regional hub for biotechnology transfer.
CT Group proposed that the central government promptly implement the “Pink Sun” Program, a national initiative involving bioengineered corneal transplantation for the visually impaired, with the goal of restoring sight to 600,000 people. The project is also expected to contribute approximately 1% to the national labor force and 1% to Vietnam’s GDP. Importantly, the program commits to providing free treatment for disadvantaged families.
Initially, the project will focus on specialized eye hospitals in Vietnam, before expanding to the Southeast Asian market, where approximately 9 million people are visually impaired, yet donated corneas currently meet less than 10% of the demand.
This product will be exclusively supplied by CT Group in the ASEAN region, marking a significant milestone for Vietnam in the fields of regenerative medicine and biomedical technology, both regionally and globally.
Source: Dau tu Online News
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