Recently, in implementation of the joint work programme, the Party’s Commission for Science and Education, in co-ordination with the Union of Scientific and Technological Associations held three conferences to collect the opinions of scientists for the draft political report which will be presented at the tenth congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Hundreds of outstanding scientists attended these conferences which were held in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City respectively. We would like to summarise some of their opinions.

Delegates to the three conferences agreed that in general after 20 years of renovation, the country has made outstanding developments, including the great achievements in many fields, the improvement of people’s living conditions, the enhancement of country’s position, bringing about happiness and belief to people. However, there remain problems and challenges which need overcome. If we fail to overcome these challenges, the objective of the doi moi win not be easily achieved. Therefore, the collection of opinions for the draft report is an important step for the planning of the country’s strategic development.

Concerning the theme of the congress and orientation, scientists such as doctor Mai Duc Loc from Da Nang city, professor Pham Huu Duc from Da Lat university, professor and doctor Nguyen An Nien from the southern water conservancy science institute all agreed that the draft report has basically summarised  the country’s situation over the past five years. Associated professor To Ba Trong from the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations said that “since doi moi was initiated at the sixth Party congress, we have recorded striking achievements. This is the achievement of a strategic nature deciding the long-term development of the country. However, it is important to be aware of subjective opinion and complacency because we much to do to catch up with regional countries. Doctor Pham Si Liem from the Vietnam Construction Association said that in the past 20 years, the Party has led our people to gain basic and great achievements. However, as Uncle Ho taught, when we are successful, it is advisable not to get drunk with it and we should be on constant  alert of the challenges ahead. To improve the draft report, professor Tran Ngoc Hien from Ho Chi Minh National Political Academy, suggested that the Party should renew its thinking. It should look at matters in accordance with a new system of thinking and methodology. The tenth congress of the Party should make a breakthrough on  thinking in theory so as to work out lines and policies from now to 2010 and 2020. Researcher Tran Bach Dang from Ho Chi Minh City said that “I see the tenth congress of the Party as a necessary turning point for the our country’s revolutionary development.” Historian Duong Trung Quoc from the Vietnam Historians’ Association said that the draft showed a strong determination and responsibility for the nation, however all these could come true only when there are  is belief and unaminity of society as a whole.

Like professor and doctor Nguyen The Hung from Da Nang university, associated professor and doctor Vo Xuan Chien from Ho Chi Minh City Economics College, associated professor Nguyen Trong Bao affirmed: “motive force for socio-economic development is science and technology”. Professor Pham Duy Hien from the National Energy Institute said that “the draft political report lays out the quickest away of taking the country out of under-development”. Perhaps, it should be made clearer what “under-developed” means and  what are the specific steps to escape the situation. Mentioning the strategy development based on a survey of practical and theoretical and scientific bases, professor and doctor Phan Ky Phung from Da Nang university said that the development of a knowledge-based economy should be clearly defined and it should focused on the key scientific and technological fields which are suitable to the country’s situation and meet the requirements of development. Doctor Doan Gia Dung suggested that the draft report should make clear the two concepts “economic growth” and “quality of economic growth”.

Equitisation has also drawn attention from many scientists. Professor and doctor Nguyen The Tho from Hue university said that attention should be paid to the process of equitising the national resources. Many businesses have transferred land as common asset to investors, from the State to private, so there is a  “privatisation of land”. Similarly, professor and doctor Nguyen An Nien asked that “the equitisation of State-owned businesses must be strictly controlled otherwise people’s assets will be lost”.

The gap between the rich and the poor is also a hot topic for discussion. Many opinions show that if the gap is widening and that social fairness and equality will be seriously affected. Many intellectuals, and scientists have asked the Party, State to pay more attention on policies for the poor such as health care, housing and vocational training. In addition, many scientists have said the problem is not just the policies themselves but also the implementation of these policies. Many delegates said that the symmetrical development among regions, especially developments in remote areas should be paid more attention, especially its effictiveness. Professor and doctor Hoang Xuan Sinh said: “for sustainable development, it should promote rural and agricultural industrialisation and modernisation. Developing infrastructure in rural and remote areas and effectively implementing the poverty reduction work to bring the poor out of their miserable situation. Some also said that the situation in which large amounts of investment by the State without supervision and checking to waste and must be stopped".