07:00 GMT+7 A strategic advisory body on reform and development is essential in the transitional economy in Vietnam. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung Straight words Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung once summoned all officials of the ministry to make a 4-hour presentation on many development issues in the country. It was an unprecedented meeting and the minister wanted to pass on his concerns to the younger officials. He said that the national economy has increased more than 40 times compared to 1990. The material and spiritual life of the people has markedly improved. Everyone should be proud of such achievements. However, Vietnam still belongs to the group of countries with low middle income, far behind the world average. In 2019, Vietnam ranked 136th out of 188 countries, about 40 years behind Korea, 14 years behind Thailand, six years behind the Philippines... Vietnam only ranked higher than Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.