On the afternoon of December 12, 2024, at 97 Vo Van Tan Campus, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, in collaboration with the Central Council of Theoretical Studies, organized a scientific seminar on Theoretical and practical issues of building an independent and autonomous economy and international integration in the new context.

Attending the program, on behalf of the Central Council of Theoretical Studies were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan –  Former President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Head of the Economic Subcommittee of the Central Theoretical Council, and Head of the Research Delegation; Dr. Phung Quoc Hien – Former Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, and Member of the Research Delegation. On behalf of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, attendees included Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of the University, Dr. Phan Thi Ngoc Thanh – Vice Chairwoman of the University Council, along with faculty members, experts, scientists, and lecturers from related fields.

Overview of the event

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of the University, emphasized: "For a long time, Ho Chi Minh City Open University has had a tradition of collaborating with various institutions to organize research activities, seminars, and conferences to contribute to policy-making for the Party and the State. This task is not only an honor but also a responsibility that we strive to maintain, even during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly on this occasion, we are delighted that the Central Theoretical Council has chosen our university as a venue for field research and this seminar, contributing to the development of the draft documents for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam."

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of the University delivered the opening speech.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan stated: "Building an autonomous economy while actively integrating into the international arena has been a consistent direction pursued by the Party and the State. This is not only a strategic objective but also a key factor in enhancing competitiveness and ensuring sustainable national development. An independent economy must minimize reliance on external factors while maintaining stable growth rates, a well-functioning market system, and transparent supply-demand regulation mechanisms. Particularly, mastering modern technology and developing high-quality human resources will serve as a strong foundation for Vietnam’s economy to not only achieve autonomy but also integrate deeply and affirm its international standing."

Prof.Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan – Former President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Head of the Economic Subcommittee of the Central Council of Theoretical Studies, Head of the research delegation shared

The seminar focused on various aspects of building an independent and autonomous economy while integrating internationally in the new context, specifically:

• Reviewing achievements, results, limitations, and theoretical and practical issues in planning, leading, directing, and implementing the Party’s policies and the State’s laws.
• Proposing exemplary models and practical experiences from local and grassroots levels, along with identifying new resources and driving forces for development.
• Enhancing institutional solutions, scientific and technological capacity, infrastructure, and human resources to strengthen overall national power, and ensure macroeconomic stability, food security, energy security, and environmental protection.
• Diversifying markets, improving the quality of imports and exports, promoting technology transfer, and advancing research as crucial factors for economic growth.
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Dr. Phung Quoc Hien – Former Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, and a member of the research delegation, shared an overview of comprehensive integration in economic, cultural, and political aspects.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Thi Thieu Dao – Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City Banking University, discussed the current situation of student loans, information security, and financial security.

Dr. Phan Thi Ngoc Thanh – Vice Chairwoman of the Council of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, emphasized the importance of training high-quality human resources to support economic autonomy, particularly through knowledge access via online education.

During the seminar, attendees shared valuable insights and provided the Central Theoretical Council with a solid basis for comprehensively assessing real-world challenges. This will help shape appropriate strategies, propose breakthrough solutions, refine recommendations aimed to build a strong, independent, and deeply integrated economy in the global landscape.

The research team took souvenir photos