Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Chi Sang – Director of NARIME

Over 55 years of construction and development, the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering (NARIME) has made significant contributions to the Vietnamese mechanical engineering sector through the program of equipment localization for various industries.

Thorough Preparation in Investment, Capacity, and Human Resources

With an operational orientation serving the country's major economic programs, based on strategies and development plans for economic sectors as well as market demands, the Institute has focused on investing in human resources, research facilities, and international cooperation to anticipate and meet the requirements of these programs. In recent years, the Institute has invested in research and cooperation to receive technology transfer, thereby mastering the design, manufacturing, and project management in the cement, hydropower, thermal power, and mineral mining and processing industries.

To master the design and manufacturing of technology for cement, hydropower, thermal power, bauxite, and automation, the Institute has trained its human resources through various methods, such as in-house training to enhance knowledge in mechanical engineering and automation, and cooperation with leading companies in these fields to learn and receive technology transfer, not only in mechanics and automation but also in technological knowledge of other specialized disciplines. Regarding technology transfer, while in the previous period the Institute focused on receiving transfer during project implementation, in the last five years, the Institute has been able to purchase designs, hire experts, and even buy licenses (technology transfer) from companies with advanced technologies, thereby rapidly improving its capacity.

Regarding manufacturing and equipment supply, the Institute advocates for collaboration with domestic and foreign manufacturers. Foreign suppliers provide some key machines and equipment of the system or product to ensure product quality, while the Institute invests in certain manufacturing technologies to produce some important products or components of the equipment, gradually reducing the import ratio. Other equipment is ordered from domestic mechanical manufacturing units to leverage the strengths of local enterprises, reduce investment, and lower product costs.

To master the technology of design consultancy, the Institute identifies human resources as one of the decisive factors. Therefore, recruitment, short-term, and long-term training are always emphasized. Regarding recruitment, candidates must undergo a strict recruitment process, including assessments of specialized knowledge and foreign language proficiency. After recruitment, young staff are tested in specific projects under the guidance of experienced Institute personnel. These staff attend short-term courses in their specialties, project management, and foreign languages. More senior staff participate in master's and doctoral programs both within and outside the Institute. Notably, the Institute cooperates with several universities in South Korea for postgraduate training of its staff. To date, dozens of staff have successfully completed these courses and now hold key roles in the Institute's projects.

Firmly Upholding the Role of Localization

With a clear strategic orientation, the Institute has achieved several notable successes in research, production, and business activities in recent years.

In the field of hydropower: Before 2005, Vietnam had to import most hydraulic mechanical equipment from abroad. Following the Government's policy of maximizing localization, the Ministry of Industry and Trade directed the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering to seek design purchases and receive technology transfer from foreign sources. Since 2005, the Institute has cooperated with ZaparozeGhidrostal Company (Ukraine) to design hydraulic mechanical equipment. To date, the Institute has fully mastered the design and, together with domestic mechanical enterprises, has manufactured and supplied equipment for dozens of projects worth thousands of billions of VND, at significantly lower costs compared to imported products. Most recently, the Institute and domestic mechanical enterprises designed, manufactured, and successfully commissioned hydraulic mechanical equipment for the Son La Hydropower Plant and Lai Chau Hydropower Plant, contributing to the projects being completed ahead of schedule. The Institute is currently seeking cooperation opportunities for the replacement, maintenance, and repair of this equipment abroad.

In the field of bauxite mining and processing industry: Following the policy of promoting internal resources, the leadership of the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) appointed the Institute as the general contractor, allowing it to hire foreign experts to undertake tasks previously reserved for foreign contractors. Also in the bauxite industry, the Institute has partnered with domestic companies such as Cam Pha Coal Machinery Manufacturing Company and Vinaincon Corporation to design, manufacture, and successfully commission a bauxite ore washing plant. To date, the two bauxite projects in Tan Rai and Nhan Co, where the Institute participated in project management for the investor, have been operating well, achieving economic and social efficiency. Regarding plant design technology, through its participation in these projects, the Institute has mastered the technology and can now not only handle warranty and repair work but also assume the role of general contractor for expansion investments and new investments in similar projects.

In the field of thermal power: The Institute has been designated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Government as the focal unit for receiving technology transfer, enabling Vietnamese enterprises to master the design and manufacturing technology for certain equipment for thermal power plants, in accordance with Decision No. 1791/QD-TTg. To date, the Institute has gradually mastered the design and manufacturing technology for electrostatic precipitators, ash and slag handling equipment, coal handling and conveying equipment, and desulfurization equipment. Some successfully designed and manufactured equipment includes: Electrostatic precipitators for the Vung Ang 1 Thermal Power Project and Thai Binh 1 Project; Ash and slag handling equipment for the Thai Binh 1 Project; and Coal handling and conveying equipment for the Song Hau 1 Thermal Power Project. The success of these projects marks the beginning of the design and manufacturing of a series of other equipment for thermal power projects currently under or planned for investment.

In the field of automation: The Institute is currently a reputable unit in Vietnam in the field of system integration. The Institute has designed, integrated, written control programs, supplied, trained, and commissioned numerous automation systems for various stages or entire plants, including paper mills, cement plants, hydropower plants, and equipment for thermal power plants.

In the coming period, the Institute will continue to steadfastly pursue its development orientation, with solutions focusing on human resource development, research, and receiving technology transfer to master design, manufacturing, automation, and several specialized technologies. Additionally, the Institute will expand its scope of activities into areas such as environmental technology and equipment for thermal power plants, and technology and equipment for new and renewable energy sectors.

Over the 55-year journey of construction and development, with the experience passed down by previous generations, the guidance of the Government, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the continuous efforts of generations of staff and employees, along with a sound development strategy and practical solutions, the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering will contribute even more to economic development programs and the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country.