The journey to sustainable development requires Vietnam to make the most of its existing advantages while overcoming the "bottlenecks" that are hindering development.
Identify “bottlenecks”
Institutional bottlenecks: Currently, the legal system has many inconsistent regulations between sectors and fields, creating overlap and lack of synchronization. This leads to difficulties in the implementation process, causing conflicts between legal documents or between State management agencies.
Infrastructure bottlenecks: Transport and energy infrastructure has not met development needs, the transport network lacks connectivity, hindering the circulation of goods and movement. Energy supply is unstable or insufficient to meet demand, disrupting business operations. Investment in digital infrastructure is limited, digital technology is the foundation of the modern economy, but many areas have not invested heavily in digital infrastructure, hindering digital transformation and productivity improvement.
Human resource bottlenecks: The quality of human resources is not high, there is a lack of skills to meet new requirements, the education and training system has not met the needs of the labor market. Many workers lack professional skills, especially in high-tech industries and the digital economy. Brain drain, many talented people go to developed countries to seek better opportunities, causing a shortage of high-quality human resources in the country.
Bottlenecks in resource and environmental management: Overexploitation of resources, inefficiency, unsustainable resource exploitation leads to depletion of natural resources, while low efficiency causes waste. Environmental pollution, climate change threaten long-term development, environmental issues such as air, water, soil pollution and the impact of climate change are reducing the quality of life and hindering sustainable economic development.
Innovation bottlenecks: Lack of connection between scientific research and practical application, many scientific research results are not converted into specific products or services, leading to waste of research resources. The startup and innovation environment has not been strongly promoted, lacking financial, technical and legal support mechanisms for startups. Startup culture has not really spread, making innovation face many obstacles.
Solution
When faced with economic bottlenecks, addressing them requires a holistic and flexible approach, based on a case-by-case analysis, to come up with appropriate solutions.
Solution to remove institutional bottlenecks, General Secretary To Lam said "Institutional bottlenecks are bottlenecks of bottlenecks". Because institutions determine the operation of the economy, social management and create a favorable environment for sustainable development. When institutions are weak or inadequate, it causes major obstacles to development in all fields. Institutions are the biggest bottleneck, affecting other bottlenecks in the development process.
To reform institutions in the new era, it is necessary to build transparent and effective institutions, promote digital transformation in State management to increase transparency, reduce bureaucracy and corruption, simplify administrative procedures, and create favorable conditions for businesses and people; Strengthen the rule of law, build a synchronous and stable legal system, avoid continuous changes that cause difficulties for investment and business, enhance the supervisory role of social organizations and people in State management; Build a legal environment that encourages research and application of science and technology. Take advantage of opportunities from free trade agreements (FTAs) to reform institutions in accordance with international standards; Improve the quality of the leadership and management team, train and select leaders and civil servants with capacity, enthusiasm and strategic vision, apply a transparent evaluation, reward and discipline system based on performance results.
Infrastructure development: Accelerate key transport projects, accelerate the implementation of important projects such as the North-South Expressway, seaports and international airports to improve regional connectivity, promote trade and tourism. Build digital infrastructure and deploy e-government, promote investment in information technology, develop 5G networks and apply digital technology in state management to improve efficiency and transparency.
Optimizing resources and improving labor productivity: Economic bottlenecks such as unsynchronized infrastructure, complicated administrative procedures and a shortage of high-quality human resources have reduced the efficiency of resource use. To increase labor productivity and better utilize domestic resources, it is necessary to remove these barriers, thereby improving Vietnam's competitiveness in the international arena.
Promoting international integration. As Vietnam increasingly integrates into the global economy through free trade agreements (FTAs), internal economic bottlenecks may hinder the country’s ability to take advantage of opportunities from these agreements. Improving factors such as logistics, legality and the business environment will help Vietnam attract foreign investment, expand export markets and strengthen its position in the international arena.
Adapting to digital transformation and green economy trends: Digital transformation and green economic development are inevitable trends. If bottlenecks in technology, renewable energy, and the startup ecosystem are not removed, Vietnam will be left behind in the global competition. Effective solutions will help promote innovation and sustainable development, reduce dependence on natural resources, and increase resilience to crises.
Reducing inequality and ensuring social equity: Economic bottlenecks, especially in agriculture, health, and education, can widen the gap between rich and poor and social inequality. By improving policies and supporting disadvantaged groups, Vietnam can achieve inclusive development that ensures the well-being of all its citizens.
Promoting internal strength and strengthening national power: Removing bottlenecks not only helps economic growth but also strengthens national power. A strong economy with developed key industries, modern infrastructure and high-quality human resources will be the foundation for the country's prosperity and independence in the new era.
(Posted on the special edition of Lao Dong Xuan At Ty)
