In a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency’s correspondents in Australia, Long, who is also President of the Vietnamese Association of Scholars and Experts in Australia (VASEA), said amid volatile global geopolitical and economic conditions, the 14th Congress’s message of stability, solidarity, and long-term vision provides a crucial foundation for the country’s sustainable development.
    |
 |
|
Prof. Nghiem Duc Long, Director of the Center for Technology in Water & Wastewater at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) |
The expert highlighted his strong appreciation for the 14th Congress’s focus on people-centered development, reflected not only in policy directives but also in concrete programs that prioritize education, human resource development, and position science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of economic growth.
Professor Long praised the 14th Congress for setting clear goals in health care, environmental protection, and social equity, noting that Vietnam’s development is aimed not only at economic growth but also at improving quality of life and ensuring social welfare and fair opportunities for all citizens.
He expressed optimism that the Party’s ambitious double-digit growth target is achievable, supported by political stability, a young and skilled workforce, and progress in institutional reform, administrative streamlining, and investment climate improvements, positioning Vietnam to seize new development opportunities in the coming years.
However, Long also cautioned that while strong economic growth provides resources for improving quality of life and environmental protection, poor management could sacrifice the environment for short-term gains. He stressed the need for clear guidance to ensure economic development aligns with environmental and resource protection.
Citizens’ quality of life is measured not only by income but also by living conditions, a clean environment, cultural values, and social equity, he stressed, adding that development is meaningful only when it improves life for everyone, leaving no one behind—a principle he sees as the greatest expectation for Vietnam’s development in the time to come.
As a Vietnamese living and working in Australia, Prof. Long said he wishes to make practical and long-term contributions to the homeland through his expertise, experience, and partner networks. He hoped that a stronger strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia will create more opportunities for scientists and intellectuals like him to connect, share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and support the country’s development priorities.
He also suggested that Vietnam could learn from Australia in areas where it excels, such as pension systems and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which support people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, reflecting a strong commitment to social welfare and equity.
Australia is renowned for its world-class expertise in clean energy, strategic metals, and climate and environmental solutions, Long said, showing his hope that Vietnam and Australia could deepen cooperation in social welfare, green transition, environmental protection, and science and technology, creating a partnership that not only boosts economic ties but also delivers real benefits to citizens of both countries.
As President of VASEA, the expert said the association remains deeply committed to Vietnam and aims to contribute to the homeland through practical and meaningful actions. It plans to strengthen its organization, enabling members to better understand Vietnam’s development demands and actively participate in initiatives that leverage their expertise, knowledge, and experience to support the nation.
He revealed that VASEA has outlined short- and long-term plans, including developing VietNEST - a Vietnamese-language learning software for children of Vietnamese descent; a project to provide clean water to remote communities; promoting green and circular economy models, and strengthening enhancing academic capacity and access to core technologies for domestic partners.
The expert reaffirmed VASEA’s commitment to serving as a trusted bridge, where Vietnamese intellectuals and experts in Australia can contribute to Vietnam in meaningful, effective, and lasting ways.
Source: VNA