Scientists Call For More Support

A scientist monitors a robotic system at a Ministry of Industry and Trade laboratory. The Government has rolled out a plan to improve working conditions for scientists. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoang Hung

HA NOI (VNS)— The Government plans to create favourable working condition for scientists, similar to that in developed countries, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan said.

The minister said in a television programme entitled People Ask Ministers Answer that research conditions in Viet Nam were now much better than before.

The State would invest in and call for official development assistance to establish research institutes equipped with modern facilities and technology, Quan said on Sunday.

In March Viet Nam signed an agreement in which South Korea would help Viet Nam build a research institute along the lines of the Korean Science and Research Institute which is ranked one of the 10 best in the world.

Quan also emphasised the Prime Minister's direction to attach scientific studies to production and business.

The State may invest in commercialising new products rather than just investing 30 per cent in a project as before, which it was hoped would promote scientific research.

Regarding the difficulties a professor met when applying for visa and buying house in Viet Nam, the minister said the State permitted Vietnamese people to hold double citizenship. So a person holding Vietnamese citizenship should have no difficulties returning and owning a house or getting a working permit.

Anyone encountering such difficulties should contact "managerial bodies" for help.

"For our part, we shall do our best to support the scientists," the minister said.

While admitting scientists might not work as efficiently as when they were abroad, the minister said they could contribute to the development of their home country when they returned.

Regarding the concerns about income and working conditions, he affirmed that good working conditions and incomes were crucial to attracting overseas scientists. — VNS