Purpose

About us

Contact us | Map | Who are we? | Messages from Project Leaders | Our Pledge

Contact us

Address:	Hanoi Central Office Building (next to Melia Hotel) Unit 401, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel:	84-4-39362633; Fax: 84-4-39362634
Email:	hellovdf@vdf.org.vn

VDF Map

Unit 401 (4th floor)
44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street

Who are we?
	The Vietnam Development Forum was established in 2004 by the joint research project between the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo and the National Economics University (NEU) in Hanoi. The VDF aims to innovate research methodology and dissemination for policy impact. For this purpose, young talented Vietnamese people are mobilized. The VDF bridges the gap between academic research and policy formulation. We build open networks where researchers and policy makers can meet, discuss and help each other. The VDF initiates and coordinates studies on Vietnam's development. We also happily publicize excellent research produced by scholars and organizations outside the VDF. The VDF is an academic unit and not a consulting business. Its first phase (by 21COE Program) was end in March 2008. The second phase (by Global COE Program) will continue until March 2013. The two phases are financially supported by the Japanese government.
How can we help?
	Policy makers: we will listen to you and discuss with you concrete policy issues related to Vietnam's development, and explore ways to solve them together. Researchers: we will offer opportunities to develop and present your ideas, interact with other researchers and policy makers, and publish your output (subject to review). Everyone: we are happy to work with you and help you build an intellectual network.
Activities
	Intensive dialogue with policy makers and researchers Workshops, lectures and open discussions Publication of books, pamphlets, policy notes, and discussion papers Information exchange and dissemination through a web site Conferences Articles and interviews in the press

Messages from Project Leaders

Kenichi Ohno, Ph.D. Project Leader and Professor, GRIPS	Nguyen Van Nam, Ph.D. Project Leader and Professor, Rector of NEU
I have studied the Vietnamese economy since 1995 and come to the conclusion that Vietnam has achieved only a small part of its potential. Policy innovation is necessary to release the true power of the Vietnamese people. The VDF is established precisely for this purpose.	NEU is the leading interdisciplinary and multi-fields university with active teaching, research and socioeconomic policy proposals. VDF is a new model for research cooperation between NEU and GRIPS. We hope that VDF will greatly contribute to the development of Vietnam, especially in its process of international integration.

Our Pledge

· We shall explore an appropriate path for Vietnam in the age of globalization.
· We shall assist policy makers in designing and implementing policies.
· We shall promote independent and creative thinking unfettered by past methods and constraints.
· Through open discussion, we shall broaden our vision, listen to criticism, and strengthen our position.
· We shall avoid abstract and unrealistic ideas and produce options which are feasible, concrete, and suitable for the reality of the Vietnamese society.