Scholars, artists praised as talents of the nation

They showed their thanks to the Party and State for their due attention and support given to them while proposing a score of measures to further develop science, technology, and arts in particular.

In his speech, at the Lunar New Year get-together in Hanoi on February 7, the Party leader reviewed the country's outstanding achievements during the past year in the context of facing numerous difficulties and challenges. 2017 was the first year Vietnam fulfilled and surpassed all 13 set targets for socio-economic development plan. GDP growth was high when compared to other countries in the region and in the world in tandem with strengthened defense security and maintained national sovereignty.

In addition, Party building and rectification, fight against corruption, wastage and negative phenomena continue to be intensified. The successful hosting the 2017 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the central city of Danang helped further promote the relationship between Vietnam and other countries in the wider world, thus elevating the country's stature in the international arena, Trong said.

“Vietnamese scientists are facing an uphill task to stay abreast of the rapid developments of science and technology. The 4th revolution of science and technology is creating a major change. This requires huge responsibility from scientists, but it is also an honor for them. I hope that scientists, intellectuals, and artists will have new belief and momentum in the New Year. I strongly believe that the country will continue to develop in 2018 with great contributions by scientists, intellectuals, and artists,” he said.

Praising the participants’ opinions, Trong appreciated the accomplishments achieved by intellectuals and artists last year, saying that the entire Party, people and army will press ahead with reforms in 2018.

He also showed his belief that with their sense of responsibility, enthusiasm, wisdom and experience, scholars and artists will continue joining hands with the Party, State and people across the country in successfully fulfilling the targets for 2018 and the Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress.

On behalf of Party and State leaders, Trong congratulated and thanked intellectuals and artists for their significant contributions to the nation-building process as stating that they play a fundamental role and serve as a driving force of national development.