Vietnamese scientists and technicians have been urged to drive the country’s 2020 industrialisation and modernisation course.

The appeal was made at a ceremony to mark the 30 th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) in Hanoi on March 22. Prominent guests including Le Hong Anh, Politburo member and Party Central Committee’s permanent secretary, and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan attended the event.

Praising the associations’ significant contributions over the past years, Anh stressed that development and application of science and technology is one of the country’s priority strategies.

VUSTA staff will play an important role in promoting the creative capacity of intellectuals in the field nationwide, Anh said, adding that it will help make science and technology a key driving force behind the country’s socio-economic development.

Anh suggested the associations continue renovating their operation mechanisms, be more proactive.

Over the past year, VUSTA’s 132 members have undertaken research to address a number of emerging issues relating to social healthcare, environmental protection and poverty reduction, especially in remote and mountainous areas, said VUSTA Chairman Dang Vu Minh.-VNA