A conference was held in Hanoi on May 16 to gather recommendations on development priorities for Vietnam in the 2021-2030 period.

A view of Ho Chi Minh City

The event was part of activities to help build the multidimensional country reviews (MDCR) by Vietnam and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), looking to offer consultation to the Government towards building the socio-economic development strategy for 2030.

Speaking at the event, Assistant to the Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Van Thao said that Vietnam highly values its close coordination with the OECD in building the MDRC.

According to Thao, the Vietnamese economy is entering a new development period that presents both opportunities and challenges.

Noting that Vietnam is facing many difficulties in national development, he stressed the need to analyse international experience and models to serve as references in building development strategies and policies.  

He said that the MDCR will be built in three phases. The first phase will focus on overall evaluation, while the second phase will seek intensive evaluations and policy consultations and recommendations, and the third will give ideas on action measures.

He expressed his hope that participants at the conference will thoroughly discuss barriers hindering the development of Vietnam and point out the roots of the problems.

Meanwhile, Director of the OECD Development Centre Mario Pezzni said that in order to make a multidimensional evaluation of Vietnam, it is necessary to have a range of views on different sectors to ensure socio-economic development and benefits for local people.

He said that the final target of the OECD is not only economic growth, but also improvement in social welfare and happiness for all people. To this end, the OECD will continue supporting Vietnam in mapping out socio-economic plans.

Pezzini stressed the need for countries to learn from each other, adding that the OECD also wishes to explore Vietnam’s experience in overcoming challenges, thus inspiring other developing and even developed countries.

At the event, participants heard information on some of the major barriers against Vietnam’s sustainable development, while giving their opinions on Vietnam’s draft MDCR.