Science and Technology Fund Disbursement is Progressing Slowly in Hanoi

Despite allocating a large portion of its 2026 budget for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, Hanoi is lagging in fund utilization rates. As of October 18, 2026, only a small portion of the allocated appropriations has been spent, and new steps are being taken to overcome bureaucratic hurdles in the process.

According to a report by the Hanoi Department of Finance, in accordance with the Decision dated November 28, 2025, the city allocated 9,090.399 billion VND for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in 2026. This figure accounts for 4 percent of the city's total budget expenditure. As of October 18, 2026, the allocated funds reached 8,875.056 billion VND, achieving a rate of 97.63 percent. However, capital allocation does not mean that tasks have been completed and payments have been made.

Including funds carried over from the previous year, the total budget for 2026 reached 9,925.851 billion VND. By the same date, the city had only spent 4,085.341 billion VND, leaving the expenditure rate at 41.16 percent. While investment expenditures reached 53.37 percent, regular expenditures stood at 26.28 percent. The failure of finance, investment, procurement, and technology service leasing mechanisms to keep pace with the sector's structure creates difficulties. The Ministry of Finance is reviewing projects, reallocating delayed funds, and setting cost standards.