DISCOUNTS OF UP TO 5% FOR HIGH-TECH BIDDING INVESTORS

Promoting innovation and the adoption of technology in investment activities continues to be one of the important directions of the Government to enhance the quality of investment projects. To concretize this policy, Decree No. 274/2026/ND-CP regulates some details and measures for implementing the Bidding Law regarding the selection of bidding investors, which has added a notable incentive mechanism for applying advanced technologies bidding investors, with incentives that can reach up to 5% when evaluating bidding documents from August 21, 2026.  

Entities Eligible for the 5% evaluation preference

According to Article 6 of Decree 274/2026/ND-CP, the 5% evaluation preference applies to two main groups of subjects.  

First, bidding investors with advanced technology applications, high-tech, environmentally friendly technology, and the best existing techniques to minimize environmental pollution for projects classified as having a high risk of negatively impacting the environment according to the law on environmental protection. This policy clearly reflects the priority direction for projects developing under a green growth model, reducing emissions, and improving resource efficiency.  

Second, bidding investors who are scientific and technological enterprises; innovative startups, organizations supporting innovative startups recognized by competent authorities; innovation centers; strategic technology companies, high-tech enterprises, enterprises producing high-tech products, high-tech incubation facilities, and high-tech business incubators as defined by the law on high technology.  

Entities Eligible for the 2% evaluation preference

In addition to the 5% evaluation preference, Decree 274/2026/ND-CP also stipulates a 2% evaluation preference when evaluating bidding documents for the following bidding investors:  

First, bidding investors committing to technology transfer, engaging in high-tech activities related to high technologies and high-tech products listed in the prioritized investment and development categories as well as the categories of high-tech products encouraged for development published by the Prime Minister according to the law on high technology, or listed in the technology transfer encouragement categories under the law on technology transfer, or in the strategic technology categories according to the law on high technology.  

Second, foreign bidding investors committed to technology transfer to domestic bidding investors and partners.  

The division of various levels of incentives demonstrates the government’s policy not only encourages technology application but also promotes the technology transfer and diffusion  and enhances the technological capacity of Vietnamese businesses.  

Not All Technology Enterprises Are Eligible for Incentives  


One important point to note is that the 5% evaluation preference is not automatically applied just because the bidding investor operates in the technology sector.  
To be eligible for this policy, when participating in bidding, bidding investors must submit complete documentation proving the technological solution, legal rights to use the technology, or documentary evidence establishing the status of the enterprise eligible for incentives as stipulated by the law on high technology, technology transfer, environmental protection, and other related legal regulations.  
This indicates that state agencies not only consider the “commitment” factor but also require bidding investors to have legal grounds and clear documentation to ensure transparency in the bidding investor selection process.  

Significance for the Bidding Investor Selection Process  

The new regulation is assessed to have many positive implications for the investment environment. The incentive mechanism helps encourage businesses to invest meaningfully in research, development, and technology adoption, rather than just competing based on financial capacity or price. Additionally, the policy contributes to promoting sustainable development projects, especially those with a high risk of significant environmental impact, by encouraging the application of advanced technology and modern techniques to minimize pollution. Prioritizing scientific, technological, and innovative enterprises aligns with the direction of developing an economy based on science, technology, and digital transformation, while also providing a competitive advantage for businesses that have systematically invested in innovation.  

The addition of an incentive mechanism of up to 5% when evaluating bidding documents according to Decree 274/2026/ND-CP reflects a clear shift in bidding investor selection policy, from focusing on financial capacity to encouraging technological innovation, green development, and technology transfer. For businesses, this is not just a simple incentive policy but also a motivation to systematically invest in technology, enhance competitiveness, and increase bidding opportunities in investment projects. However, to qualify for incentives, bidding investors must meet all legal conditions and prepare documentation in accordance with regulations, avoiding the misconception that all technology enterprises automatically qualify for this discount./.