Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc speaks at a meeting of the subcommittee on socio-economic affairs of the 13th National Party Congress in Hà Nội yesterday.— VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Scientists discussed Việt Nam’s socio-economic development strategy for 2021-30 with a vision towards 2045 during a meeting with the subcommittee on socio-economic affairs of the 13th National Party Congress in Hà Nội yesterday.

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, head of the subcommittee, asked scientists to look into the national economic situation, along with challenges facing the country, focusing on limitations of the old growth model.

Associate Prof. Dr. Bùi Quang Tuấn, Director of the Việt Nam Institute of Economics, pointed out that the economic growth target of 7 per cent set for 2011-20 has yet to be fulfilled.

Between 2011 and 2018, growth mainly relied on capital, he said, adding that science and technology received less investment while many important factors for the sustainability of the economy like innovation, technological preparedness and labour quality lagged behind other regional countries.

Tuấn suggested prioritising scientific-technological development and innovations which, he said, should be the most important pillar of national growth.

Besides, it is necessary to create high-quality human resources and utilise opportunities generated by the digital era to ensure rapid, creative and sustainable growth, he said. 
Prof. Dr. Đặng Nguyên Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), proposed tweaking the social welfare system to meet new development requirements.

Dr. Võ Đại Lược from the VASS said that in the private sector, after 30 years since đổi mới (renovation), corruption remains a huge issue while the country is in dire need of new policies to attract and retain talent.

The private sector should be regarded as the most significant growth driver, noting that economic sectors should have equal and transparent chances to access development opportunities and State monopolies should be abolished on nearly every front, bar security and national defence.

In his closing remarks, PM Phúc said Việt Nam needs to raise its capacity and productivity so it can catch up with other countries. — VNS