Recognizing the contributions of science and technology to the country

(Baonghean) - Appreciating the contribution of science and technology to the development of the country, the 13th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 5th session, on June 18, 2013 passed and promulgated the Law on Science and Technology. Article 7 of the Law on Science and Technology stipulates: May 18 of each year is Vietnam Science and Technology Day.

Cultivation of Spirulina, a project supported by the Department of Science and Technology of Thanh Mai Company Limited (Quynh Luu). Photo: Cong Sang

The first National Congress of the Vietnam Association for the Dissemination of Science and Technology was held on May 18, 1963. The Congress took place in the context of the North striving to implement the first five-year plan (1961 - 1965) with great achievements in all fields. President Ho Chi Minh, on behalf of the Party Central Committee and the Government, attended and spoke at the Congress.

In his speech at the Congress, President Ho Chi Minh stated his views on science and technology. President Ho Chi Minh pointed out the weak points in science: “We all know that our current level of science and technology is still low. Production methods have not been improved much. Working methods are still hard. Labor productivity is still low. Customs and practices are still backward. The task of science is to improve that” (1). He emphasized: “Science must come from production and must return to serve production, serve the masses, in order to increase labor productivity and constantly improve people's lives, ensuring the victory of socialism” (2). “Under the socialist regime, science is the common property of all people, not the property of any group of people. Therefore, you must strive to widely disseminate your scientific and technical knowledge among the working people, so that the people can compete to produce more, faster, better, cheaper,…” (3).

President Ho Chi Minh's speech at the First National Congress of the Vietnam Association for Dissemination of Science and Technology reflected Ho Chi Minh's thoughts on science and technology.

Implementing Ho Chi Minh's thought on science and technology, over the past 50 years, science and technology in our country have made great strides, becoming a driving force in socio-economic development. In all fields, from social sciences and humanities to science and technology, they have affirmed their contributions to the development of the country, especially in the period of innovation and integration.

The field of social sciences and humanities has gone into depth in summarizing practices, providing scientific arguments to form the Party's innovation policy. Building an advanced culture imbued with national identity. The field of science, technology and engineering has researched and applied research results to production practices, making an important contribution to improving productivity and quality, improving the competitiveness of our country's economy; Bringing Vietnamese goods to many countries around the world. In particular, many agricultural products hold the world's leading position in quantity such as: rice, coffee, pepper, cashew... bringing our country from a poor country to a middle-developed country in the world. Appreciating the contribution of science & technology to the country's development process, the 13th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 5th session, on June 18, 2013 passed and promulgated the Law on Science & Technology. Article 7 of the Law on Science and Technology stipulates: May 18 of each year is Vietnam Science and Technology Day.

2014, the first year of organizing Vietnam Science & Technology Day, is also the year to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Science & Technology (1959 - 2014) with the theme: "Science & Technology - The driving force for rapid and sustainable development" including the following activities: Deeply and widely propagating scientific & technological achievements; Demonstrating and widely disseminating scientific & technological achievements to the country's development process. Honoring those who work in science, scientists who have made great contributions to the country. Through propaganda activities to raise social awareness of the role of science & technology in the cause of national development. Encouraging and motivating the young generation to be passionate and dedicated to scientific research to contribute to building a strong and prosperous country.

To organize Vietnam Science & Technology Day on May 18, 2014, Nghe An will carry out meaningful and practical activities: Organizing the Ceremony to announce Vietnam Science & Technology Day; Opening Nghe An Technology and Equipment Market 2014 with activities such as: Technology demonstration, display and introduction of scientific and technological achievements; Booth comparing fake and genuine goods; Booth displaying scientific and technological research and innovation products; Booth introducing research and implementation capacity of research institutes, universities and colleges in the area... During the week of activities to celebrate Vietnam Science & Technology Day from May 14 to May 19, provincial leaders will visit, congratulate and assign tasks to a number of units, scientists and managers. Nghe An Department of Science and Technology organized a meeting with collaborators, launched the Science & Technology Magazine, and organized scientific seminars and equipment technology demonstrations.

Nguyen Quoc Hong

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(1), (2), (3) Ho Chi Minh Complete Works - Volume 11 National Political Publishing House Hanoi - 1996, pages 77, 78