The Ministry of Science and Technology and Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology hosted Vietnam Science and Technology Day in Hanoi on May 18.

It was attended by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh, former Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem, and many top scientists.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dung emphasized that science and technology play a central role in development and national protection and should be focused on boosting industrialization & modernization, and building and protecting the country.

He urged the ministry to improve policies to not only attract Vietnamese scientists from abroad but also encourage foreign experts to cooperate with Vietnam.

He conferred the Independence Medal, First Class, on the ministry.

A science and technology exhibition was held at the National Convention Center on the occasion.

Vietnam Science and Technology Day will be marked on the day every year.