The seminar, jointly held by the Central Institute of Economic Management (CIEM) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), aimed to put forward a research cooperation programme on issues relating to economic institutions and discuss preparations for policy consultancy for the Party and State in implementing State management reforms in the 2011-2020 period.

According to CIEM Director Le Xuan Ba, the reform of the role and management function of the State has seen positive developments in the past, making great contributions to the country’s economic development.

However, in the process of integration, globalisation and transition to a market economy, Vietnam should make greater efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the State management system in order to obtain sustainable development achievements, he said.

Dr. Haggroth from Sweden said that in the transition to a market economy, each country must draw an overall picture of the market economy and get a true understanding of its nature.

The development of the Vietnamese economy has helped improve people’s living standards, he said, adding that during the transition, Vietnam should consider the relationship between the State and the market, especially the scope of the State-owned sector in the relation to the private sector and the management of State-owned businesses.

According to economic expert Pham Chi Lan, to raise its role in the market economy, the State should gradually shift public ownership to private ownership and establish good control mechanisms.

Participants at the seminar also discussed such issues as the macro institutional structure and the role of the State, businesses and civil organisations in a market economy as well as common principles regarding providing public services in the market economy.