Vietnam has a solid foundation for building a regional-level higher education system and it is time for the country to take action, said a world-renowned development strategist from the UK .

The remarks were made by Professor of Strategic Development Tom Cannon from the University of Liverpool in his meeting with Vietnam ’s Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung on July 28 at the Government Office.

The Deputy PM said Vietnam is increasingly integrating into the world in terms of economy and in other areas. The number of enterprises is steadily increasing, reaching around 400,000 at present, providing fertile soil for the young, abundant labour force of the country to grow and flourish.

However, Hung added, the workforce is still lacking in professional knowledge and experience.

Professor Cannon suggested that universities in Vietnam work closely with enterprises to create a more practical educational environment in order to improve students’ competence upon graduation.

He also highlighted that Vietnam attaches importance to tightening the links between its universities and those in the Asian region and the world in order to improve its competitive edge and the quality of its educational institutions as well as making its universities a regional brand.

Welcoming the advice, Hung reaffirmed that Vietnam pays careful attention to human resource development and considers it as a decisive factor in national development.

Tom Cannon is a world-leading development strategist who has close relations with advisors for governments around the world. He is also a senior advisor for more than 30 multinational groups such as American Express, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Airbus, Shell, HSBC, IBM and GE./.