Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Sinh Hung has appealed for stronger linkage between technological advances and farmers to face competition from advanced agricultural economies worldwide.

The NA Chairman made the call at a conference in Hanoi on September 3 held to review science-technology activities over the past time in compliance with a resolution on agriculture, farmers and rural areas set at the seventh meeting of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee (10th tenure).

Chairman Hung hailed science-technology and education-training as crucial to Vietnam’s sustainable economic progression, especially agriculture as the country is entering a new development stage.

The NA leader also asked scientists to further their studies and roll out agendas for hi-tech development from which the farming sector will benefit.

Chairman of the NA’s Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Phan Xuan Dung said thanks to the application of science and technology, Vietnam’s agriculture has seen production grow over the last five years, making up 22 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and more than one fifth of exports, earning over 27 billion USD last year.
At the conference, key ministry officials and over 150 leading experts pointed out future challenges that will confront the sector. They also suggested more investment in hi-tech projects.

Concluding the event, Chairman Hung urged relevant agencies to fine tune their State management so that hi-tech innovations bring better efficiency.

The conference brought together delegates from the NA’s Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Science and Technology.-VNA