Scientific evidence improves policy making
Vietnam and Laos agreed to share their experience in boosting basic research on social science and improving scientific evidence to serve policy making in a seminar held in Hanoi on October 6.
The two countries, together with Cambodia, will organise an annual conference to discuss joint research projects in fields of common concern, such as the environment, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and green growth.
President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) Nguyen Xuan Thang said his institute is conducting a number of studies on regional development and culture, as well as compiling a Vietnamese encyclopaedia.
The academy helps local authorities outline policies on the designation of special economic zones and appropriate development strategies.
The institute is also working with officials at the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to draft reports on Vietnam’s economic development vision for 2030 and human development achievements in 2013-2014.
President of the Lao Academy of Social Sciences Chaleune Yiapaoheu said his institute is keen to learn from Vietnam’s experience in personnel training, event management, and research.