The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) should focus on research, new mechanisms, removing bottlenecks and ensuring more transparency in the financial mechanism.

The statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam at a conference held in Hanoi, on January 6, by the MoSTto review its operations in 2020 and devise key tasks for 2021.

According to the Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat, in 2020, the whole world faced great difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant general economic recession. In this context, Vietnam overcame many difficulties, implemented the "dual goals" directed by the Government and the Prime Minister to promote both socio-economic development and COVID-19 prevention and control, ensuring both people's livelihoods and health.

As part of this success, the science and technology sector made important contributions as Vietnam's economy grew 2.91%, propelling the country to its position as one of the highest growing countries in the region and the world. Labor productivity was improved, on average in the 2016-2020 period by 5.8% per year, higher than the 2011-2015 period (4.3% peryear) and exceeding the set target (5% per year).

Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam lauded and acknowledged the transformation in the activities of the MoST, which focused on key and unexpected tasks (vaccines, test kits, and the prevention of the epidemic). At the same time, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam also pointed out that skyscrapers and other achievements built by the Vietnamese people show the scientific and technological capabilities of Vietnam.

In addition, the Deputy PM expected the MoST will continue moving forward from the previous period to further promote science, technology and innovation in the near future. It is necessary to recognize enterprise as an innovation centre. The Deputy PM also stressed the MoST must strive to take the lead in openness and transparency to create a mechanism to promote innovation in the community of researchers, including strengthening research in the social science and humanities field.

At the conference, on behalf of the Government, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam presented the Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit to the MoST for its achievements relating to the cause of building socialism and protecting the country.