HÀ NỘI – The Party and State value Vietnamese intellectuals and scientists, as well as their contributions to the nation’s development, said Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc.

During a meeting with 300 outstanding intellectuals and scientists from all over the country yesterday in Hà Nội – just ahead of the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday – PM Phúc conveyed his gratitude to scientists for their contributions while stressing the importance of science and technology to the country’s development. 

He said he appreciated the opinions shared by participants at the meeting, saying he would dedicate more time to holding dialogues with scientists on issues related to institutions and policy making.

The PM also expressed his joy at the strong development of the intellectual and scientific community.

At the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Việt Nam demonstrated the country’s determination to become a nation of innovation with an economy that is deeply linked to the global financial system, PM Phúc said.

He noted that Việt Nam had signed a co-operation agreement with the WEF to build a technological centre in Việt Nam that would be connected to other similar centres in the US, the EU, China and India.

The country aimed to accelerate economic development and disaster prevention, he said. 

The PM called on intellectuals and scientists, including those living abroad, to make more contributions to national development to turn Việt Nam into a high-income country in the future.

He asked for more efforts in adapting to climate change; ensuring energy security; and promoting healthcare, agriculture and social sciences.

Saying that good institutions and laws are necessary to boost scientific development, PM Phúc said the Government must work to fine-tune policies so as to develop not only innovative thinking but also financial policy, thus smoothing the way for increased development and financial management. – VNS