PM reiterates sciences, technology as top priority

The Hanoi Times - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has called o­n his aides to consider scientific and technological policies towards young scientists and budget allocations for scientific research applicable to production.Dung was addressing a working session held by the National Council o­n Scientific and Technological Policies in Hanoi.The Government leader said the council should take the initiative in making concrete recommendations o­n procedures and policies of each and every sector in order to fully tap national advantages in industry, agriculture and services.“The council should address such burning questions as the bio-technology, low competitions of plants and animals and high post-harvest losses, finding out what policies are necessary to tackle these problems,” said the Prime Minister.He asked the council members to meet regularly to discuss emerging problems and submit them to the Government for solutions so as to promote science and technology.The council is the Prime Minister’s advisory agency dealing with major issues o­n scientific and technological development.The council consists of 31 members chaired by Prof. Dr. Sci. Do Trung Ta to provide consultations o­n policies and procedures o­n scientific and technological management, strategy, programmes and plans of action for the Prime Minister.The PM recognised the council’s great contribution to the national achievements in scientific and technological areas in the recent past.In the past five years alone, 142 hybrids have been put into production, helping boost exports such as rice, rubber, coffee and catfish.The country has maintained its second largest rice exporter position for years