Under a new policy of Ho Chi Minh City authorities, experts who obtain contracts to work on scientific research and application projects in the city will enjoy a monthly salary of up to VND150 million (US$7,000).

The maximum salary rate is part of the incentive policy that was proposed by the city Party Committee’s Commission for Organization with a view to help attract more experts and talented professionals for the city. The policy has recently been approved by Standing Deputy Secretary of the city Party Committee Nguyen Van Dua. Accordingly, experts and their employers are allowed to sign work contracts in which the maximum salary rate for experts may be up to US$7,000 per month. The new wage rate will firstly be applied on a pilot basis at four entities in the city, including the Saigon Hi-Tech Park, the Hi-Tech Agriculture Park, the Institute for Computational Science and Technology (under the HCMC Department of Science and Technology), and the for Biological Technology Center (under the city Department of Agriculture and Rural Development). In a related development, the Saigon Hi-Tech Park, located in District 9, has earlier submitted to the city authorities its proposals on new incentive policies applicable for its foreign experts, including a monthly salary of VND20-50 million ($960-2,400).

In addition, foreign experts will have a favorable working environment, are tasked with jobs that are appropriate to their expertise, and are given support with travel. During their time spent working in the park, foreign experts will also be assisted in visa procedures, residence, and children’s education, as well as in seeking jobs for their spouses.

Moreover, they will be given priority to buy or rent houses in planned areas in the park. HCMC People’s Committee deputy chairman Nguyen Manh Ha said the city may give the park a lump sum budget to pay for its foreign experts and the park is allowed to determine remuneration for such experts in each specific project.