>>> Vietnam’s health authority assures consumers over African swine fever
Speaking at the conference, PM Phuc said that Vietnam has 2.5 million pig farming households, accounting for 49% of the total pigs and over 10,000 farms, while pork accounts for 70% of all meat products. Therefore, dealing with ASF should be considered as fighting against enemies, he stressed, adding that the whole society should join hands to effectively prevent ASF.
The government leaders asked that the political system, all sectors, enterprises and farmers must strictly and effectively implement Directive 04/CT-TTg dated February 20 by the PM on the synchronous implementation of urgent solutions to control ASF. Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and cities must be responsible for their locales’ ASF fighting results to the law and the PM.
He also urged the Ministry of Information and Communications to promote propaganda on the issue, helping consumers not to be confused and turn away from clean pork, as well as strengthening the inspection and strict handling of violations.
* The same day, PM Phuc had a meeting with leaders of the relevant ministries and international consultants on the formation of the National Innovation Centre (NIC).
PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc discusses the formation of the National Innovation Centre with the relevant experts and his cabinet members. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
Speaking at the meeting, the PM said that this is a pilot centre and, if successful, it can be replicated into many others. He pointed out the necessity and the significance of the NIC, adding that it is a highlight of Vietnam’s fourth Industrial Revolution strategy, thoroughly applying international experiences and mobilising the private sector and foreign experts to help the centre compete with others in the world.
PM Phuc requested the Ministry of Planning and Investment to review the urgency and feasibility of the centre to quickly deploy the project, while developing a mechanism to call for investment resources. The ministry was assigned to have a specific roadmap to facilitate its approval soon.
He also agreed on creating favourable institutions to attract talent to work in the centre and connect it to overseas Vietnamese talent, businesses and laboratories globally.
There should be an open and favourable policy for the centre to operate effectively and achieve the set objectives, the PM said, affirming that the Government will do its best to support the NIC, because without innovation and science and technology, there will be no success.
