Science-technology sector urged to focus on key projects

PM Dung made the request at the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) conference in Hanoi on January 10 to review its 2011.

He underlined the positive results the ministry recorded in 2011, saying they contributed significantly to the country’s achievements despite challenges and difficulties.

The PM stressed the importance of science and technology in national socio-economic development, asking the sector to accelerate the formulation of mechanisms and policies to create favourable conditions for restructuring the economy and renovate the economic growth model to ensure its sustainability.

In 2011, the science-technology sector’s efforts to reform its operations in all fields improved its efficiency and increased the scale of long-term scientific projects. 2011 also marked a milestone in the sector’s development with various projects put into operation such as the National Oil and Gas Group 90-metre jack-up rig.

However, the MoST did not do enough to involve the private sector in scientific activities and renovation, and it did not have a coherent policy for training and using scientific and technological human resources.

In 2012, the ministry will focus on improving the quality and efficiency of scientific and technological activities, aiming to increase the economy’s competitive edge.