Central Steering Committee for Science and Technology Development, Innovation and Digital Transformation makes debut

The Steering Committee is led by General Secretary To Lam who will be assisted by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Standing member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu, Chief of the Party Central Committee's Office Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Chairman of the Central Commission for Economic Affairs Tran Luu Quang, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai as the Committee's deputy heads.

Members of the Committee include: Chairman of the Central Comission for Organization Le Minh Hung, President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien, Chairman of the Central Commission for Communication and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics Nguyen Xuan Thang, Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, Minister of Informationa and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat, Deputy Chief of the Party Central Committee's Office Pham Gia Tuc.

The Steering Committee shall be responsible before the Politburo and the Secretariat for its leadership in organizing the implementation of breakthrough solutions for the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.

The Steering Committee shall have to put forward to the Politburo and the Secretariat for consideration and approval of mechanisms, policies, and breakthrough solutions for science-technology development, innovation, and digital transformation.

It will also lead and coordinate with party committees at all levels to guide, inspect, and supervise the implementation of relevant resolutions and regulations of the Party, and the State's laws; and review relevant legal mechanisms, policies, and administrative procedures, thus making recommendations for authorities for consideration and approval.

The Steering Committee will also direct party committees and organizations at all levels to inspect and take strict action against party organizations and members who delay, obstruct, or fail to implement the solutions and tasks assigned by authorised agencies in this work, or violate during the implementation process.

In December last year, on behalf of the Politburo, General Secretary To Lam signed for issuance of the Resolution on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation. 

The Resolution specifies that: Developing science and technology, innovation and digital transformation have become the decisive factor for development of countries; the prerequisite and best opportunity for Viet Nam to become a prosperous and powerful country in the new era – the era of the Vietnamese nation's rise by the end of this decade.

The Resolution targets to turn Viet Nam into one of top three countries in Southeast Asia and top 50 countries in the world in terms of digital competitiveness and e-government development indices.

It also aims to turn Viet Nam into one of top three countries in Southeast Asia in terms of artificial intelligence research and development, a development hub for several digital technology sectors and industries that Viet Nam has advantages. 

The contribution of the total factor productivity (TFP) to economic growth is projected to reach over 55 percent while the ratio of high-tech exports will reach at least 50 percent of the country's total export value. 

The size of digital economy will account for at least 30 percent of GDP. The ratio of online public services will reach over 80 percent; cashless payment rate will reach 80 percent. 

Science, technology and innovation will significantly contribute to the development of Vietnamese people's cultural and social values, and to the maintenance of the Human Development Index (HDI) of above 0.7./.