Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc visited the area displaying science and technology products. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc hailed the role of science and technology intellectuals in the country, and appreciated the contributions made by the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) to the country’s national construction and defence.

Speaking at the 8th National Congress of VUSTA's term 2020-2025 in Hà Nội, PM Phúc said since its establishment in 1983, the association had affirmed its role as the nucleus to unite and promote the creativity of the contingent of Vietnamese scientific and technological intellectuals in the country and foreign countries. They had made important contributions to promoting the development of national science and technology potential, developing the socio-economy, and maintaining national defence and security.

The VUSTA had played an important part in pushing up research and application of science and technology in production and life, enhancing people’s knowledge and fostering talents, he said. They also actively participated in improving people's lives, protecting the environment, developing communities, and reducing poverty sustainably.

However, he asked the 3.7 million intellectuals of the VUSTA to look at the limitations of the association, as it had not brought into full play the potential of science and technology intellectuals, not meeting the requirements of society and expectations of the Party and the State.

The intellectuals had not actively taken part in solving big problems of the country and localities, Phúc said.

The PM said in the new tenure (2020-2025), VUSTA should be proactive in implementing the State's policies on science and technology; enhance the application of science and technology, creating an important driving force for the development of a modern workforce.

It was necessary to promote the knowledge economy and increase the intellectuals’ responsibility for the country. People who have great contributions to the nation should be honoured, he said.

"The entire Party, the entire army, the entire people are striving to turn our country into a developed country with high income on the occasion of the country's 100th founding anniversary.

"It can be said that the intellectuals along with the power of science and technology play a crucial role in determining success of achieving goals and aspirations for a mighty Việt Nam by 2045,” the PM said.

It required the contingent of scientific and technological intellectuals, especially those under VUSTA, to exert more efforts, contributing to the rapid and sustainable development of the country, Phúc said, adding that scientists and researchers in the associations are precious national assets.

The 8th Congress of VUSTA, entitled “Solidarity – Creation - Renovations - Development”, attracted the participation of nearly 1,000 delegates from organisations under VUSTA. — VNS