International research and development in Vietnam needs to be promoted.

Beginning his presentation, Dr. Thomas Jandl outlined the fundamentals of international development and international development studies worldwide. This field of study examines the interrelationship between development and transnational issues, which serve as context, conditions, problems, resources, and components of development. Accordingly, the subjects of international development studies include not only states but also many non-state actors such as intergovernmental organizations like the WTO and the World Bank, as well as non-governmental organizations. This is because, in the current trend of globalization and international integration, states increasingly need to consider the extent of their intervention in national development. International development studies will delve into analyzing the policies of states and non-state actors, while also comparing these policies to draw lessons for their own countries.

Dr. Thomas Jandl presented on international development research.

Dr. Thomas Jandl used Professor Kennichi Onno's development model to illustrate the four stages of a nation's development as follows:

• Step 1: Attracting foreign investment, stabilizing the economy, and eradicating poverty. This is a common stage in newly developed countries.
• Step 2: Replace foreign elements with domestic elements to enhance the national production value chain.
• Step 3: Develop human capital, leveraging the power of technology and the knowledge economy for development.
• Step 4: Become self-reliant and independent in your own development.

Regarding Vietnam, Dr. Thomas Jandl stated that Vietnam has successfully completed the first phase of development. Following the Doi Moi (Renovation) policy in 1986, the Vietnamese government implemented many effective reforms to attract foreign investment, boost economic growth, and alleviate poverty, quickly transforming the country from an agricultural nation to an industrialized and modernized one. However, the current context of rapid globalization and international integration demands not only a change in general policy but also a shift in the frame of reference for development. This becomes even clearer with Vietnam's recent signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, requiring the country to simultaneously implement phases 2 and 3 of development. In this context, promoting international development research is crucial to compare and synthesize the development experiences of other countries and apply them to Vietnam's specific conditions. He hopes to soon establish an independent training and research facility on international development in Vietnam, building upon the existing foundation of the Department of International Development Studies at the Faculty of International Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) poses for a commemorative photo withDr. Thomas Jandl and faculty members of the Department of International Studies

Following the presentation, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh and faculty members from the Department of International Studies engaged in a question-and-answer session with Dr. Thomas Jandl on several issues related to international development research, such as the relationship between cultural and economic factors in development, the application of the four-stage development model to the context of individual countries, the ability to identify problems and difficulties in international development research, and the importance of the connection between theory and practice.

The Faculty of International Studies (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) officially established the Department of International Development Studies and began offering this specialization according to Decision No. 3086/QD-XHNV-TC signed by the Rector of the University on December 22, 2014. International Development Studies is a field of study offered in many countries around the world at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Faculty of International Studies (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) is the first institution in Vietnam to offer a specialization in International Development Studies.