The Party Congress is always considered an important event in Vietnam, which captures the special attention of people throughout the country who pin high hopes on what will be decided for Vietnam’s future.

Party congresses through different periods have made major changes in people’s lives nationwide. The people always wish that the Party congresses would work out important policies and set strategic orientations for national development.

The 11^th National Party Congress is expected to see drastic changes in the Doi Moi (Renewal) process over the past years. A Radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter reflected some public opinions on the important event.

Associate Professor and Dr Nguyen Thi Minh Thai from the Journalism Department of the University for Social Science and Humanities: People’s aspirations are important.

 “Over the past few days, I often follow information about the 11^th National Party Congress with keen interest through mass media facilities. In my opinion, the people are a basic foundation for a nation. Therefore, it is essential to promote democracy in society. The Party and State’s attention to the people is attention given to the whole country’s development policies.

I hope the people’s aspirations will be discussed frankly at this Party Congress. Party members should further promote democracy among the people to strengthen relations between the Party and people.”

Professor Ngo Thanh Duong, former Head of the Philosophy Department of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration: I always support the Party.

“I always support and follow every step of the Party. Particularly, I am particularly interested in the Platform of the 11^th National Party Congress and the wish for changes, supplements and development of the platform in the context of the country’s stronger development.

Economic development and production relations must go along with the labour force. Consequently, it is necessary to focus on developing the socialist-oriented market economy by the different forms of ownership involved in different economic sectors, business organizations and distributors. However, the State economy should still keep its leading role. I hope that all issues and national policies mentioned at this Party Congress will be put into practice to satisfy the people and boost national development.”

Do Thanh Xuan, a student from the Institute of Journalism and Propaganda: More attention should be paid to education and training

“Over the past few years, the Party and State have paid due attention to education and training through policies aimed at increasing students’ academic prospects. However, there are still individuals who cause negative impacts on a collective group.

As a student, I wish that the Party and State would pay more attention to the cultural and life-style education to young people to limit negative phenomena such as school violence and irresponsible and self-indulgent ways of living. If the future generation is trained in a appropriate manner, it will facilitate future development.

The Party and State should adopt specific policies to help students find jobs suitable for their professional skills they have been trained with to contribute to national construction and defense.”

Nguyen Quang Duy, business staff in Hanoi: talent treatment in different ways

“It takes a lot of time and energy to train people of great talent and it is much more difficult to keep them. Therefore, it is very important to introduce Party and State policies for talent treatment and for those who are willing to work in remote and mountainous areas. Education must also be considered a top national policy.

In my opinion, the adoption of appropriate treatment policies will help the country avoid” brain drain” and encourage talented individuals to contribute their intellectual capacity first to the nation.

I hope this Party Congress will focus on dealing with issues related to training qualified human resources, setting up close links between businesses and training centres and boosting educational development in remote areas.

In addition, the Party and State should create the best possible conditions for young people to show their capacity and loyalty.”