HCM CITY — Education and investment in human resources is the most important factor in HCM City’s future development, the city’s Party Committee Secretary Nguyễn Thiện Nhân said at a seminar held on July 26.

Nhân said high quality human resources is a driving force in economic development of HCM City, which is a leader in attracting a large number of workers, professionals, artists and people from other localities in the country.

Thanks to its dynamism and creativity, the city has made great achievements, contributing 22 per cent to the State budget.

However, since the city still lacks sufficient capital for development, it needs to attract more investment and place a high value on its most important resource, its people, Nhân said.

Growing urban problems such as land subsidence, flooding, waste, traffic congestion and affordable housing all need to be addressed, he said.

"The city should continue to have open policies that will attract and retain talented people who can contribute to creatively implement economic, social and cultural development programmes to ensure their effectiveness", Nhân said.

Prof Võ Văn Sen, director of the Centre for National Policy and Strategy Research under the HCM City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, said: "the city’s hi-tech sectors should be better developed and that more companies need to enter into global value chains."

It should create special policies to encourage science and technology research, he said, adding that continuing administrative reforms and building a dynamic management system were also important.

Infrastructure plans should also be linked to the key southern economic region, he added.

Phạm Hương Thảo, former deputy secretary of the city’s Party Committee, said the city should complete plans for satellite urban development as well as build ring roads and public transport systems.

Favourable conditions to attract high-quality local and foreign human resources should be created, she said.

"In addition, the city should recognise the important role of residents in contributing their ideas to the city’s development."

More than 50 studies about the knowledge economy, innovation and creativity were presented by experts at the meeting. — VNS