PM urges accelerating science and technology for Mekong Delta development

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked local Party committees and governments in the Mekong Delta region to further promote the application of science and technology in production, considering it as the foundation to improve competitiveness of each locality in particular and the region in general.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung speaks at the event in Can Tho on March 7. (Credit: VGP)

The PM’s requirement was made during a conference held by the National Assembly Standing Committee in Can Tho on Monday to review the implementation of policies and laws on science and technology development to promote industrialisation and modernisation for 2005-2015 in the Mekong Delta region, with focus to be placed on supporting industries and mechanical engineering.

Affirming the importance of the Mekong Delta as a key economic zone with strategic position, PM Dung said that the region has achieved important results in socio-economic development, promoting its potentials and advantages such as agriculture, fruit trees, aquaculture and seafood processing amidst difficulties and challenges due to climate change and sea level rise.

The region’s positive results achieved have contributed greatly to the country's overall development, he affirmed.

He also pointed out numerous emerging issues that may confront the region during its development, including low labour productivity; the shortage of high-quality human resources, low development level of mechanisation, limited scientific and technological applications, and underdeveloped transport infrastructure.

The PM required localities in the Mekong Delta to make greater efforts in implementing the Party and the State’s guidelines, policies and regulations on science and technology development.

He also suggested experts and scientists accelerate research, and propose amendments to policies and laws related to the management and promotion of science and technology to help turn science and technology into driving forces for national rapid and sustainable socio-economic development.

At the conference, participants discussed reports on the results of scientific and technological activities in order to promote industrialisation and modernisation for 2005-2015 in the Mekong Delta and on the implementation of State-level science and technology Programmes for development of the Southwestern region.

(Source: NDO)