The Hanoitimes - Economic growth must be harmoniously combined with cultural development and social progress and equality, said experts at a seminar held yesterday in Hanoi.
Economic growth remains dependent on extensive development factors, said Professor Do The Tung, from the National Academy of Politics and Public Administration in his speech. "Economic growth is one of many factors that contribute to comprehensive development."
He warned that Vietnam was in danger of falling into the middle income trap if it continued to rely on natural resource export, outdated technology and cheap labour.
"We have learnt that we must attach special importance to quality, efficiency and sustainable development, ensuring macro-economic stability and dealing with the relationship between the pace and quality of growth," he said.
At the one-day seminar, Doctor Tran Van Binh pointed out that there is a big gap between economic growth and social progress and equality. "We are faced with problems that not only destroy economic growth but also threaten social stability," Binh said.
In his speech, Binh outlined that Vietnam's human development index had increased during the 20 years of renewal, but healthcare services for poor people remained inadequate, and large number's of children from rural areas were still dropping out of school.
Binh stressed that it was necessary to have a synchronous policy and legal framework to implement effective economic growth, cultural development and social progress and equality.
Cultural and social sectors must be promoted in line with economic development, Dr Phan Hong Giang presented in his report.
"Culture is society's spiritual background which constitutes the stable and long-lasting values of a country as well as forming a nation's distinct identity," Giang said.
"Culture creates a great social resource and deeply penetrates the development process. Each development stage of any country always bears cultural imprints."
From this angle, culture is not only the obvious result but also an ingredient of rapid and sustainable development.
To ensure equal interests and create an impetus for socio-economic development, Bui Ngoc Thanh from the National Assembly's Office proposed measures including preventing corruption, improving management skills at all levels and narrowing the gap between rich and poor people.
