Vietnam will turn science-technology into the most important driving force to develop modern productive forces and the knowledge-based economy, thus making its economic competitiveness sharper while protecting the environment and ensuring national security and defence.

The aim was set in the Government’s action programme to carry out the Party Central Committee’s Resolution No. 20 on science-technology development issued on November 1, 2012.

Under the programme, dissemination work will be increased to raise relevant agencies’ and people’s awareness of science-technology development in service of national industrialisation and modernisation in the context of socialism-oriented market economy and global integration.

Besides, the Law on Science and Technology will be amended toward increasing inspection and supervision, plus conducting independent assessments on scientific and technological activities.

Individuals are encouraged to establish, by themselves or in partnership with the State, venture funds to support the creation of new and advanced technologies.

Social and foreign investment capital will be mobilised for and State-owned enterprises are required to contribute to the science-technology development foundations in localities.

Investment, particularly, will focus on modernising the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the Vietnam Academy of Social Science, along with key universities and research institutes up to Asian standards.

Research centres will be set up in key economic areas to help them bring into full play their advantages and potentials.

The Hoa Lac, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang hi-tech parks will receive all possible favourable conditions to work effectively.

Master plans for hi-tech agricultural zones and information technology parks will be devised, regarding the socio-economic development plan of each region and each locality.

National technology trading floors will be opened in Hanoi, HCM City and Da Nang and linked with regional and global floors as well as provincial and municipal technology transfer hubs.

Imports of outdated products and technologies will be banned and policies to get domestic and foreign scientists involved in science-technology activities in Vietnam will be issued.-VNA