HCMC – HCMC leaders and their professional departments will combine with specialized associations to promote the talents and contributions of intellectuals and scientists to the development of the city, said the city’s top official.

Chairman Le Hoang Quan told a meeting with representatives of the associations of Science and Technology; and Literature and Art on Friday there would be a regulation about cooperation between the city’s professional departments and specialized associations. City leaders will regularly absorb ideas and comments of intellectuals.

Quan also expected intellectuals and scientists to give feedback on the city’s socio-economic development plan for this year with its 22 targets. GDP is predicted to increase 10% or more against 8% in 2009.

Truong Van Da, former vice chairman of the HCMC People’s Council, said that scientists expected city leaders to listen and take their proposals and feedback seriously.

Nguyen Van Tat, vice chairman of the HCMC Architects Association, said that “associations have talent, responsibility, and are ready to contribute to the development of the city. But how to receive their ideas timely and effectively is the city leaders’ responsibility.”