Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each the numbered blanks.

Despite these drawbacks, (26) __________ the retirement age is still considered by policymakers as one of the key solutions to the ageing population problem in Vietnam, But these are only temporary solutions. Complementary long-term solutions such as increasing labor productivity must also be examined.

As Vietnam has specialized in manufacturing with its competitive advantage of a cheap labor force in the global supply chain, (27) __________ higher education should be reoriented to focus more on vocational training rather than university degrees. The Vietnamese government has already taken action by simplifying the entrance exam to university. Previously, Vietnam's national entrance exam was very difficult and only a limited number of the most talented citizens managed to enter universities.

However, as living standards in Vietnam improve and more families can afford to send their children to university, universities have become more commercialized and entering university is no longer a rare achievement. The low quality of Vietnamese universities also means the majority of graduating students are unable to find an appropriate job. By simplifying entrance exams to deemphasize university degrees, the government has encouraged students to opt for vocational training. (28)_______, 2016 saw a remarkable decrease in the number of students applying (29) ______ university. Another supplementary policy is to have productivity-based rather than seniority-based salaries, (30) _______ are common in Asian countries. This would address public concern about aged seniors doing less work for more pay than younger employees. Companies and government agencies would employ and appreciate the young while benefiting from the experience of the old. But this issue feeds the Communist regime's dilemma between adhering to Communist principles and integrating into the capitalist culture of productivity for profits.