Company news

In implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW, the Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) is focusing on technological innovation, digital transformation, and the development of strategic technology product groups, linking science and technology with enhanced productivity, quality, and competitiveness.

At the seminar “Industry and Trade Sector Implements Resolution 57: Removing Bottlenecks, Promoting Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation”, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Mai, Deputy Head of the Technical Department at Vinachem, shared that Vinachem has developed a programme for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to implement Resolution 57, alongside comprehensive digital transformation projects and plans. The Group has clearly defined orientations for products and technology; it is concentrating on modernising production lines, improving the efficiency of energy and resource use, and making digital transformation, green transition, and the circular economy the three pillars of development.

Developing five key product groups

One of Vinachem’s priorities is research and development of five key product groups to meet the needs of strategic technology development. The groups include: high-purity chemicals for the electronics, semiconductor, rare earth processing, and high-tech industries; batteries, new-generation energy storage systems and electrode materials; new materials, including technical rubber for the railway and aviation industries; rare earth extraction and processing; and pharmaceutical chemicals.

Alongside new product development, Vinachem requires that all new investment projects are based on modern, high-efficiency, and environmentally friendly technologies. The Group prioritises projects that promote green transition and sustainable development, such as solid waste recycling, improving the content and effective use of tailings from apatite ore processing plants, reusing waste heat and emissions, and developing green chemicals and recycled materials.

Within the field of new-generation batteries and energy storage systems, Dry Cell & Storage Battery Joint Stock Company, a Vinachem member unit, is focusing investment and research on new-generation energy storage batteries and battery energy storage systems (BESS). It is planned that by 2027, the company will bring these products to market.

BESS plays a role in storing surplus electricity from solar and wind energy to be used at times of high demand, thereby supporting power balance and reducing pressure on the transmission system. For households and businesses, storage solutions enable a higher rate of on-site electricity usage, support self-production and self-consumption models, reduce dependence on the grid, and contribute to the green transition.

In other product groups, Vinachem has studied the potential to participate in the semiconductor industry value chain, developing plans and roadmaps for producing high-purity and ultra-high-purity chemicals for the semiconductor, electronics, and high-tech industries. The Group’s rubber producers have made initial progress in developing technical rubber with new features; some basic chemical producers have mastered the technology for certain high-purity acids.

Integrating technology into every production stage

In parallel with new product development, Vinachem continues to invest in equipment renewal, mechanisation, automation, and digital transformation in its existing production systems.
At many member units, technological solutions have been applied to numerous production stages, such as automatic conveyor systems, inverter-controlled screw conveyors, electronic weighing silos replacing manual feeding, robotic product bagging and palletising, automated bag stackers, pallet conveyors, and automated forklifts. Some units have also researched integrating QR codes onto product packaging.

In addition to automating production lines, units are investing in automatic monitoring systems, installing cameras in high-risk areas, and researching and applying circular economy models and solutions for saving materials and energy and reducing emissions.

Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation activities at Vinachem are directly linked to ensuring stable, safe production; improving productivity and product quality; making efficient, economical use of resources and energy; cutting costs; and protecting the environment. The Group is also accelerating the application of digital technology, automation, and smart management in production and administration, aiming to establish digital enterprises and smart factories.

In management and production, the Group and its units have implemented software and built database systems to meet development needs; many member companies have begun to take steps towards establishing smart factories.

Vinachem is also focusing on allocating and using the Science and Technology Development Fund effectively for its intended purposes; upgrading research infrastructure towards advanced, modern, and synchronised standards that align with development orientations. The Group is carrying out activities to establish a research and development centre with a network of key laboratories.

Removing bottlenecks in resources and human capital

The process of technological innovation and digital transformation at member units still faces bottlenecks in resources, technology, and human capital.

Some units currently relocating factories encounter difficulties in allocating capital for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation activities. The Group’s Science and Technology Development Fund remains limited, while the procedures for using the fund and approving and implementing scientific and technological tasks are time-consuming.
In addition, some units still use outdated production lines and equipment, which are energy-intensive, low in productivity and quality, non-optimised, and labour-intensive. Therefore, investment in upgrading and automating production lines needs to be implemented in stages, suitable to the actual conditions of each unit.

High-quality human capital is identified as the greatest bottleneck for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. All five key sectors targeted by Vinachem require highly skilled personnel, but these are new and challenging fields, with a shortage of experts capable of leading development.

To address these bottlenecks, Vinachem is investing in-depth, gradually upgrading technology, machinery, equipment, and production lines through investment projects; transferring and applying advanced, modern technologies and equipment; leveraging current production capacity; and mastering and developing new strategic technologies and products. The Group is also strengthening cooperation with institutes, universities, and enterprises both domestically and internationally in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Alongside technological investment, Vinachem is implementing training programmes to improve professional qualifications, management skills, and technology access for its staff, engineers, and workers; establishing mechanisms to attract and value highly qualified personnel and leading experts in key and strategic technology fields.

Upgrading existing production systems, developing strategic technology product groups, strengthening research capability, and preparing human resources are the main directions by which Vinachem is implementing Resolution 57. In this way, science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are directly linked to increasing productivity, quality, efficient use of resources and energy, and the competitiveness of the Group.