(VOVworld) – Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan answered NA deputies’ questions on solutions to applying scientific research in daily activities, especially agricultural production.

Minister Nguyen Quan at NA’s Q&A session on June 12th, 2015 (Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu)

Minister Quan explained the sector’s responsibility in increasing labor productivity, supporting enterprises to invest in technological innovations, developing hi-tech markets to improve the national competitiveness towards sustainable growth. He clarified the self-management mechanism of science and technology organizations and how the state budget for science and technology has been used.

Minister Quan said the technology market was set up in 2000 and in 2004 and 2014 the Prime Minister issued two directives on the development of this market.

To further develop the market, Quan said: “Over the years, the Ministry has boosted the building of intermediary regulations. Technology trading floors in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City have been put into operation. Hi-tech equipment fairs at national and international levels have been held through which scientists and enterprises can sign contracts for technological transfer. The models have helped firms make full use of Vietnam’s technologies. Events to link supply and demand, another form of the technology trading floor, have been organized in provinces to offer venues for scientists to introduce their scientific projects to companies.”

Minister Quan asked agencies to commit that once scientific projects are completed, their outcomes should be applied in reality.

The Minister of Education and Training Pham Vu Luan reported on reforms to textbooks and national examinations in Friday’s Q&A session of the National Assembly.

Minister of Education and Training Pham Vu Luan

Minister Luan said that the draft on reforming textbooks will be available for public opinions and submitted to the Prime Minister for approval. Luan said:“The new set of textbooks will be reformed on the basis of incorporating the elements of the old books that have proved successful. The new textbooks will be supplemented with updated appropriate content”. Minister Luan said that the Ministry intends to maintain the graduation and university entrance exams. The graduation examination will be organized at the local level while the university entrance exam will be held in 38 locations nationwide. Luan also responded to the evaluation of primary schoolchildren and measures to make the new method of evaluation more practical and effective.