Hanoi (VNA) – A symposium was openedin Hanoi on January 17 to discuss the intertwining of science and policytowards sustainable development in ASEAN.

The three-day event is organised by the Ministryof Science and Technology, the Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and InnovationPlatform (JASTIP), and the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology andInnovation.

It aims to carry out the content approved at theASEAN-Japan dialogue on science, technology and innovation in 2019; performVietnam’s roles as the ASEAN Chair in 2020 and the coordinator of theASEAN-Japan dialogue relations in 2018-2020; and help enhance the two sides’cooperation.

Sessions of the workshop focus on the promotionof Japan’s potential role in enhancing research and training cooperation tomitigate disaster risks in the ASEAN region; the reinforcement of energysecurity through sustainable technologies; the cooperation in conserving and exploitingbiodiversity to bring about benefits to all parties concerned; and thestrengthening of the connection between science and policy in science,technology and innovation.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology BuiThe Duy said in ASEAN, developing science, technology and innovation is definedas one of the top priorities, especially amidst the increasingly extensiveintegration and the need to sustain economic growth across the region, so as toachieve the development goals set in the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science,Technology and Innovation for 2016-2025, as well as the UN’s 2030 Agenda forSustainable Development.

In Vietnam, science, technology and innovationare considered a basis and driving force for national development, and theyhave greatly contributed to the over 30 years of reforms in the country.Vietnam attaches importance to and highly values the cooperation and supportfrom ASEAN members, Japan and other international partners, he noted.

As the chair of the bloc in 2020, it wishes tocontribute to a cohesive and responsive ASEAN, helping to realise the ASEANCommunity Vision 2025, Duy added.

As part of the symposium, the JASTIP SteeringCommittee held a meeting to review the platform’s performance between 2015-2019and discuss the orientations and focuses of its activities in the 2020-2025period./.