The first workshop of VERN was held at the Institute of Economics, Hanoi on 8 November 2002, from 8:30-11:30 AM. The workshop aimed at introducing the operation of VERN and calling for research ideas in the North. Twenty-five participants coming from various ministries, institutes, and universities attended the workshop.

The workshop was started by opening remark of Vice Director of the Institute of Economics. Then the operation and objectives of VERN were introduced by Dr. Nguyen Thang – VERN team leader. VERN (the Vietnam Economic Research Network) is a newly-created network of researchers which builds on the work of Vietnam Economic and Environmental Management (VEEM) Research Programme. The network receives funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and aims at: (1) Capacity Building for Vietnamese researchers, particularly young technical economists, through applied research and on-the-job training; (2) producing high quality, policy relevant research and improving the link between research and the policy making process; (3) expanding the well-coordinated research network in Vietnam and linking it with the international research community; and (4) improving the link between research and teaching at university level. Particularly, the network aims to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction by supporting research in the area of trade liberalisation and its link with employment and firm-level competitiveness.

Researchers were invited to submit research ideas for consideration by the Selection Committee. Researchers were asked to submit a short (3-4 pages) research idea relevant to VERN themes by December 31^st 2002 according to the format provided VERN office. Dr.Thang explained all sections of the submission form in great details. He also gave examples in accordance with each sections of the format.

Technical assistance was also mentioned as many researchers were not strong at technical skills. Dr. Nguyen Thang assured participants that all academic advisors and technical assistance would be provided to all projects as required.

Then the participants actively involved in discussion about VERN themes and requirements for ideas to be selected. Questions arose especially about (i) how the Selection Committee would be set up to ensure that proposals will be assessed objectively and properly; (ii) how international consultants will guide and assist research teams to carry out research projects and (iii) There is a limit in the number of research ideas submitted by a person.

Date: 8 November 2002

On behalf of the VERN office