The Agriculture and Irrigation Electrification and Construction Corporation (AGRIMECO) is one of the few corporations to enjoy a high annual growth rate of 20% thanks to the promotion of internal capacity by conducting scientific researches and technology development. AGRIMECO is especially attentive to science and technology. That was demonstrated by the quality and number of state-level projects undertaken by AGRIMECO during the 2001-2005 period. The Scientific Activity Magazine has had an interview with AGRIMECO Director General Le Van An who has been also director of many projects and theses during the past periods. Of these, project “Perfecting the design and technology to manufacture hydraulic cylinder systems for irrigation and hydropower works” is one of the best 30 theses and projects that have been commended and rewarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology at the summing-up conference on state-level scientific and technological programs, theses and projects over the 2001-2005 period. 

As a manufacturing and business establishment, our main concern is what to produce and whom to sell. Given our current capacity, we took the path to researching and manufacturing equipment and machinery needed for the sector in particular and the society as a whole that cannot be produced by any other establishments in the country. 

Our best efforts to catch up with the actual production needs are paying off. Between 2001 and 2005, the corporation took part in bids for state-level scientific and technological projects and became the successful bidder for four among twelve projects under the program on scientific research and machine building technology development (KC.05). The four projects are ‘Improving technology for manufacturing large-size water pumps (36,000 cubic meters per hour)’, ‘Trial production of submersible water pumps with a capacity of N=37; 55 and 75kW for agricultural use’, ‘Perfecting the design and technology for manufacturing hydraulic cylinder systems for hydropower and irrigation works’, and ‘Perfecting the design and technology for manufacturing two types of submersible electric motors with capacities of 37kW and 55kW used for submersible pumps.

In reality, over the past few years, the demand for various kinds of pumps moved up as long as agricultural production keeps growing. While in the world, especially in developed industrial countries, submersible pumps are commonly used because of its predominant superiority, the use of submersible pumps in Vietnam seems very limited due to their high import prices. Building on the two protocols of collaboration with Hungary, namely “Cooperation in research on manufacture of high-capacity submersible pumps for agriculture” and “Cooperation in research on design and manufacture of submersible electric motors installed to submersible pumps with a capacity of N=37 kW for agricultural use” in the years of 2001-2002 and 2003-2004, AGRIMECO boldly participated in bids and was selected to carry out projects ‘Trial production of submersible pumps with capacities of N=37;55 and 75 kW for agricultural use’ and ‘Perfecting the design and manufacture of two types of submersible electric motors with capacities of 37 kW and 55 kW used for submersible pumps. Throughout the implementation process, we set up a submersible pump manufacturing line, taking the initiative from design to production. Our products have been applied to production in many localities and have a prospect of being used more widely because their prices are 30-40% below those of imported products with the same quality.

‘Perfecting the design and technology for manufacturing hydraulic cylinder systems for irrigation and hydropower works’ is a major project in the corporation’s development strategy for the 2000-2010 period. The project has had a big effect on the corporation, creating a spearhead product with high technology and big value, satisfying the pressing need of domestic industries. Particularly, we have invested in the building of a modern cylinder manufacturing line and highly qualified specialist staff. That helped increase our turnover to hundreds of billion Vietnamese dongs a year.

In relation to scientific and technological value, by implementing state-level projects, AGRIMECO have totally mastered technologies of designing, manufacturing, installing, operating, using as well as testing the quality of large-size hydraulic cylinders for irrigation and hydro power works, construction machinery, steel, automobile, ship-building, coal mining and transportation industries and so on. In this way, we became totally active in the manufacture and provision of equipment with the same quality to imported ones but at lower prices for domestic works. Especially, based on the success of project ‘Improving the design and technology for manufacturing hydraulic cylinder systems for hydropower and irrigation works, we have boldly conducted research and successfully manufactured hydraulic equipment with a lifting capacity of 400 tons, timely meeting the need of Son La hydropower works. That brought about a high socio-economic efficiency, generating a profit of roughly VND100 billion to the state and completing the execution of the works 1.5 to 2 years ahead schedule. Speeding up the execution of Son La hydropower works has brought a very big socio-economic benefit. In the meantime, this facility made construction method of contractors changed because lifting devices for radial gates (to control the flow of a body of water) were used before only once but now the new device can be utilized many times for different works. 

The accomplishment of projects enabled the corporation to enjoy a growth rate of 20% per year. New products have been launched to replace imported ones and as a result, jobs have been generated for several domestic mechanical companies. Thus, it is possible to say that the AGRIMECO’s growth is closely associated with scientific research and technological development.

Firstly, the technology has been perfected and manufacturing lines for our strategic products have been established, particularly their feasibility and viability are very high because of their broad applicability to real practice. As well as the improvement of designing technology, fabrication technological process, the research on optimum manufacturing materials is also conducted throughout the project’s period in order to improve life expectancy, durability and lower prices of final products. Consequently, the implementation of scientific and technological research studies has had a positive impact on our production and business outcomes. 

Secondly, throughout the implementation of projects designing and manufacturing capacities as well as skills of our staff and technical workers have been raised. That facilitates us in addressing more complex, in-depth and broad research issues to become more confident of our own capacity.

Thirdly, projects undertaken by AGRIMECO have delivered products that are applicable not only within the sector but also cater to the needs of other sectors and branches. That helped us diversify products, improve product value, increase revenues, and generate more employments.  

Finally, given the state limited financial support, the company itself has created a new momentum and launched a scientific research movement, as projects’ efficiency is much greater than earlier expected. In addition to a good efficiency to our production and business, the projects have brought about a result of significance to state.

To enable scientific and technological activities to be a real driving force behind production of enterprises, the following 5 things should be done well: First, projects and theses must aim to create products with the same quality to imported ones but lower prices in response to pressing demand of the society. To this end, it should be thoughtful and stick close on production practices and needs of life. Second, to get frequently updated with world technological achievements and advances in their fields of research, production and business. Third, to train qualified professionals who are familiar with assignments from design to manufacture and eager for research and creation. Fourth, the leader must be an enterprising person who is able to overcome failures to get to finish. Last, to acquire timely finances the implementation.

In the foreseen future, our aim is to step up production of articles for domestic use and export. We will promote exports of hydro-mechanical products, including hydraulic cylinders, even to highly- conscious markets, such as Japan. Additionally, we further perform state-level scientific and technological tasks in the period of 2006-2010, with big objectives in key mechanical program of the Government to 2020). Specifically, we will conduct research on design and synchronously manufacture turbines with a capacity of 6,000 KW to meet increasing demands of national and regional hydroelectric power plants.