Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh: Fortune, position and prestige of Vietnam in the new era

Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam is an exceptional outstanding leader, a shining example of studying and following President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and lifestyle. He fully embodies the qualities, talent, bravery, and intellect of the Vietnamese leadership generation during the period of reform. He is dedicated to serving the Nation and the People with utmost devotion. He holds great prestige and influence both domestically and internationally, making significant contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party, the State, and our People, as well as to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

In the boundless grief over the passing of Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, we fondly remember and deeply appreciate his shining example of ethics and his great personality with sharp theoretical thinking. He has left behind significant legacies and made immense contributions to the cause of building, developing, and protecting Vietnam during the reform period. Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong was the first to assert, which was approved by the 13th National Party Congress' Resolution: “With all humility, we can still say that our country has never had such fortune, potential, position, and international prestige as it does today."

These achievements are the crystallization of creativity, the outcome of sustain and continuous efforts through several revolutionary periods, several terms of our entire Party, people, and army on the basis of constantly developing and perfecting the theory and implementing socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam - That is to firmly adhere to, apply and creatively develop Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought in combination with promoting the nation’s fine cultural traditions and inheriting the intellectual quintessence of humanity; firmly adhering to the goal of national independence and socialism, persisting with the path of renewal; steadfastly upholding the Party's organization and operation principles, which are clearly demonstrated in the Party's resolutions at congresses and the resolutions of the Party Central Committee, and are summarized and systematized in the major theoretical works and projects of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, especially the article "Several theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam" on the occasion of the 131st birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh.

Throughout time, together with the firm goals of national independence and socialism, we have focused on establishing and consolidating three basic factors, including socialist democracy, socialist rule-of-law state, and socialist-oriented market economy. With these throughout views, people are placed at the center as the subject, the goal, the driving force, and the most important resource for development, without sacrificing social progress, equality, or the environment for mere economic growth. From the actual practice of nearly 40 years of reforming under the leadership of the Party, thanks to the drastic participation and efforts of the whole political system, the entire people and the entire army in synchronously, drastically and effectively implemented the Party’s and State’s policies and guidelines, we have overcome several difficulties and challenges as well as gaining great achievements, with historic significance that are confirmed by concrete results across various fields. They are also vivid, convincing evidence of the summary and general assessments of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

1. Economic development is the core task, focusing on the implementation of three strategic breakthroughs regarding institutions, human resources, and infrastructure; strengthening industrialization and modernization, restructuring the economy attaching to renovating the growth model, elevating output, quality, effectiveness, and competitiveness; paying due attention to maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, boosting growth, and ensuring major economic balances.

This is also the crucial direction that were emphasized by Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at annual Government conferences with localities implementing the task of socio-economic development from 2017 to 2023 and were demonstrated at the Central’s annual Conclusion on socio-economy. We have fundamentally gained what the Comrade’s expectation that the following year's results must be higher than the previous year in all areas; in which the economy has seen clear changes with proud achievements which have been highly evaluated by the international community, especially in recent years when we have faced more difficulties and challenges than opportunities and advantages.

Following 40 years of Reform, from a war-torn, poverty,  backward, impoverished with blockade and embargo over 30 years, Vietnam has thrived to be a middle-income country with per capita income of around 4,300 USD in 2023, nearly 60 times higher than in 1986. The average economic growth has exceeded 6.5% per year, placing Vietnam among the countries with the highest growth rates in the region and the world.

In 2023, the economy's scale reached approximately USD 430 billion, ranking 35th in the world, an increase of over 95 times compared to 1986. The macroeconomic foundation remains basically stable, with major economic balances assured. Inflation has been controlled to around 4% per year, down from the triple-digit “galloping” inflation of the early Reform period. Import and export turnover in 2023 reached USD 681 billion, with a trade surplus for eight consecutive years, placing Vietnam among the top 20 countries in terms of trade volume globally. From a country severely lacking in food, Vietnam has become one of the world's leading rice exporters; in 2023, it exported over 8.1 million tons of rice, contributing to global food security, with Vietnamese agricultural products present in more than 160 countries.

Energy security, employment, and the balance of labor supply and demand are ensured. The state budget deficit, public debt, government debt, and foreign debt are well controlled; public debt in 2023 was about 37% of GDP, much lower than the prescribed limit. The economic structure has shifted positively towards industrialization and modernization; by 2023, the agricultural sector's share had decreased to about 12%. The quality of growth is continuously improving by enhancing the application of science and technology, increasing productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of the economy, and promoting digital transformation, green economy, circular economy, sharing economy, and knowledge economy.

The investment and business environment is increasingly improving; Vietnam continues to be a bright spot in attracting foreign investment; in 2023, it attracted over USD 39.4 billion, with actual capital reaching USD 23.2 billion, placing it among the top 20 countries in attracting FDI; cumulatively, there are now 40.8 thousand active projects with a total registered capital of about USD 487 billion. Vietnam has become a production hub, integrated into the regional and global supply chains of many leading global technology corporations such as Samsung, LG, Intel, Apple, GE, Foxconn, etc. The private sector is encouraged to develop and increasingly plays an important role in the economy, with about 900 thousand active enterprises.

The economic and social infrastructure system is prioritized for resource allocation and focused investment, creating breakthroughs for development, especially strategic transportation infrastructure, urban infrastructure, energy infrastructure, telecommunications infrastructure, education, healthcare, and climate change response infrastructure. To date, over 2,000 km of expressways have been completed and put into use, with a target of over 3,000 km by 2025. The expansion of Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports is underway, along with the construction of Long Thanh International Airport, with a total capacity of up to 100 million passengers per year when fully completed, and a total investment of hundreds of trillions of VND. Additionally, regional and international ports are being constructed, along with the inland waterway transport system. Plans for developing a high-speed rail system for the 2025-2030 period are actively being prepared and approved.

2. Particularly attentive and always deeply involved in directing foreign affairs and diplomacy, at the 32nd Diplomatic Conference on December 19, 2023, Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong affirmed: "Foreign affairs and diplomacy have fostered a new position and new strength, harnessing the comprehensive power of the entire nation, solidifying an increasingly open and favorable diplomatic landscape for the country's development and the protection of the nation in the new era." Over the years, amidst a highly complex global situation, we have steadfastly pursued an independent, self-reliant, peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and developmental foreign policy; diversified and multilateralized foreign relations; being a good friend, a reliable partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community for the goals of peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. We have focused on building an independent, self-reliant, and resilient economy, while proactively and actively engaging in deep, comprehensive, substantive, and effective international integration, achieving many significant accomplishments. The country's prestige and position on the international stage have been increasingly consolidated and elevated.

From a country that was under siege and embargo for 30 years, Vietnam has now established diplomatic relations with 193 countries, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive partnerships with 30 countries, notably comprehensive strategic partnerships or strategic partnerships with all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and many G20 countries. Our Party has relations with 253 parties in 115 countries around the world, including 92 communist parties, 63 ruling parties, and 38 parties participating in ruling coalitions. In recent years, most leaders of major countries and important international organizations, including the United Nations, have visited, worked, and had a good impression of Vietnam and its people. Simultaneously, our Party and State leaders have successfully visited countries and partners across all continents.

Recently, Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong hosted the General Secretary, President, and President of three major powers: China, the United States, and Russia. These efforts have strongly promoted in-depth, stable, and sustainable foreign relations, contributing to enhancing political trust and promoting close, effective cooperation in various fields, especially education and training, science and technology, labor, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and local exchanges. Vietnam is known to the world as a reliable partner, a safe destination for international investment and tourism, and a responsible member in addressing major regional and global issues.

Vietnam has proactively and actively participated in and successfully undertaken many international responsibilities. Many proposals and initiatives have been acknowledged in various multilateral mechanisms, frameworks, and forums, especially the United Nations, ASEAN, and other partners. Vietnam has made positive contributions to addressing regional and global issues. Moving from "active participation" to "constructive contribution, shaping the rules," Vietnam has gradually elevated its role in promoting processes and multilateral institutions based on common goals of peace, stability, security, and development cooperation, founded on international law and the principles of equality and mutual benefit among the relevant parties. Economic diplomacy has been strengthened, with Vietnam expanding its economic and trade relations with over 230 countries and territories worldwide. It has signed 16 free trade agreements with over 60 countries, including many major economies.

Efforts in citizen protection, support for Vietnamese people abroad, and external information have been systematically, promptly, and effectively implemented, contributing to strengthening national solidarity, preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the nation, and enhancing the image of Vietnam and its people to international friends. These achievements highlight the pioneering role of foreign affairs in establishing and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, mobilizing external resources for national development, and elevating the nation's status and reputation. These successes affirm the correctness of the foreign policy and diplomacy approach "Vietnamese Bamboo: Strong roots, firm trunk, flexible branches, imbued with the soul, character, and spirit of the Vietnamese nation," initiated, directed, and meticulously cultivated by Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

3. Grasping and rigorously implementing the perspective that ensuring national defense and security is a crucial and regular task, we have firmly protected the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the nation, safeguarded the Party, the State, the People, the socialist regime, national culture, and national interests. We have maintained political stability and a peaceful environment, implementing the "four no's defense policy." We have tightly integrated defense, security, and foreign affairs in national protection, prioritizing resources to consolidate and enhance defense and security capabilities. We have built a comprehensive people's defense posture, a solid people’s security posture, and a strong public unity.

The revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern People's Army and People's Public Security forces are being developed with new content and thinking, politically, ideologically, and organizationally strong, absolutely loyal to the Party, the nation, and the People, organized in a streamlined, efficient, and powerful manner. The quality of analysis, evaluation, forecasting, and strategic advising has been continually improved; military, defense, and national security protection strategies continue to be supplemented and refined in the new situation. We are proactive and prepared with plans and solutions to respond to changing circumstances, avoiding passivity or surprise in any situation. At the 8th Conference of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized: “In all situations, we firmly protect the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the country; protect the Party, the State, the People, and the socialist regime; protect national and ethnic interests."

In recent times, defense and security industries have been emphasized and increasingly developed towards modernity, dual-use, mastering technology, and producing various weapons and equipment, contributing positively to the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country. Military, defense, and security cooperation has been intensified, becoming more substantive and effective. Vietnam has actively and proactively participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations, rescue, and disaster relief in many countries and regions, earning high praise from the international community. The defense foreign policy, following the "Vietnamese Bamboo Diplomacy" approach, is a crucial strategy that contributes to protecting the nation early, from afar, and maintaining peace from the outset. We have also summarized practical experiences, supplemented theories on "partners" and "subjects," helping to harmoniously and appropriately address international issues.

At the same time, we particularly focus on building a society of order, discipline, security, safety, and health. This important task is of special interest to the entire political system and the people, achieving many positive results. Various plans and measures have been implemented to curb and decisively combat crime, especially high-tech, cyber, and drug-related crimes in key areas. We have enhanced research and application of advanced scientific and technological achievements, digital transformation, and state transformation in crime prevention and control efforts. We have improved state management efficiency, leveraging the combined strength of the entire political system and the public in safeguarding security and order. Political and social stability, security, and social order are among Vietnam’s strengths in a turbulent world today. Vietnam has risen four places to rank 41st out of 163 countries and territories in the Global Peace Index 2023, as assessed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP, Australia).

4. The fields of culture, society and environment have drawn great attention, ensuring the harmony with economic development and have gained significant achievements. The role of culture serves as a spiritual foundation, internal resource and a breakthrough driving force for the robust development of the country, especially after the National Cultural Conference in 2021 with an important keynote speech by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, which carries profound strategic orientation.

In which, Comrade emphasized the beloved President Ho Chi Minh's teaching, "Culture must light the way for the nation," pointing out that "As long as culture exists, the nation exists," and "Culture is the soul of the nation."

Implementing the perspective of building an advanced culture imbued with national identity, many traditional cultural values and national cultural heritages have been preserved, enhanced, developed, and internationally recognized. To date, Vietnam has 68 heritage sites and titles listed by UNESCO. Cultural institutions have continuously innovated in content, improving the quality and effectiveness of their activities. Building a humane society and developing a comprehensive Vietnamese human being with good character and beautiful lifestyle towards the values of truth - goodness - beauty has been positively received by society. The spirit of mutual affection, solidarity, valuing righteousness, justice, and social ethics has been increasingly promoted and spread positively.

The quality of medical examination, treatment, and health care for the people has steadily improved; the network of medical facilities has expanded widely, and many dangerous epidemics have been successfully responded to proactively. Especially in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam "lagged behind but came out ahead" with the efforts of the entire political system, the entire population, and effective support and assistance from international friends through the "vaccine diplomacy strategy."

The quality of human resources has been continuously improved; education and training have been comprehensively renewed; the national education system has become more complete and closer to international standards; the vocational training quality index is among the leading in the ASEAN region; the rate of trained workers increased from 49.14% in 2014 to 68% in 2023. Many modern scientific and technological achievements have been quickly and widely applied; the startup and innovation ecosystem has been promoted and developed; Vietnam's Global Innovation Index (GII) ranked 46/132 in 2023, up 13 places compared to 2016. Consistently implementing the policy of not sacrificing social progress, justice, and the environment for mere economic growth, Vietnam committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 at COP26 and soon participated in the Political Declaration establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), receiving high praise from the international community.

Social security has been ensured, and the material and spiritual life of the people has been continuously improved with the spirit of "leaving no one behind." Policies for revolution contributors, social protection, social security assurance, and sustainable poverty reduction have been particularly focused on; the poverty rate in 2023 decreased to 2.93% from more than 58% in 1993. The world has recognized and highly appreciated Vietnam as a successful model for hunger eradication and poverty reduction among developing countries over the past 30 years. The new rural development program has been accelerated, contributing to promoting agricultural industrialization and improving the quality of life for rural residents; by the end of 2023, over 78% of communes and 270 districts met new rural standards. The health insurance participation rate has reached over 93%, nearing the goal of universal health insurance. Vietnam has achieved many targets in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of schedule and has been recognized by the United Nations as one of the leading countries in efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The care and protection of children, the education of youth, the role of the elderly, gender equality, and the advancement of women have seen significant developments. The average life expectancy of Vietnamese people has increased by 9 years over the past 30 years, from 65.5 years in 1993 to 74.5 years in 2023. Vietnam's Human Development Index (HDI) has significantly improved, much higher than countries with similar income levels; Vietnam's Happiness Index has risen by 11 places, from 65th to 54th out of 143 countries and territories.

5. Thoroughly grasping the perspective that building the Party is "key," with personnel work being the "key of the key," the Party building and rectification work in recent times has seen clear and effective transformations under the leadership of the Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The General Secretary affirmed, "Building and rectifying the Party is always a particularly important task, crucial to our Party and our regime." Focus has been placed on comprehensively building the Party in terms of politics, ideology, ethics, organization, and personnel with the spirit of "Honor is the most sacred and noble thing," so that our Party truly "is ethical and civilization."

We have implemented many synchronized solutions to build a clean and strong political system; improve the leadership capacity and combat strength of Party organizations and members; and build and train a team of cadres with sufficient qualities, capabilities, and prestige, commensurate with their tasks, especially strategic-level cadres. The close relationship between the Party and the people has been strengthened; the people's trust in the Party has been increasingly elevated based on the effective and synchronized implementation of the mechanism "the Party's leadership, the State's management and the people's mastery," and the motto "People know, people discuss, people do, people check, people supervise, people enjoy."

The political system from the central to the grassroots level continues to be consolidated, developed, and its operational efficiency enhanced; continually promoting the pioneering, exemplary nature, valuing the people, being close to the people, trusting the people, understanding the people, and learning from the people of cadres and Party members; thereby contributing to strengthening political and social stability, facilitating rapid and sustainable development.

Under the direction of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-corruption and Anti-Negativity, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the anti-corruption and anti-negativity work has been carried out strongly, resolutely, persistently, synchronously, with focus and priority, without restricted zones or exceptions, achieving many important results, contributing to building a democratic, disciplined, and honest society, maintaining political stability, and developing the socio-economic status. Many serious economic and corruption cases have been prosecuted and tried, receiving support and approval from the people.

Simultaneously, efforts continue to focus on building and perfecting policies, guidelines, and mechanisms on anti-corruption linked with the mechanism of power control, preventing abuse of power, disciplinary violations, and protecting cadres who dare to think, dare to do, and dare to take responsibility for the common good. Transparency and accountability in state administrative agencies and throughout society have been promoted. Information on mechanisms, policies, and management and operation activities on the electronic portals of state agencies has been increased, creating favorable conditions for people, businesses, agencies, and organizations to grasp and supervise. The reality of recent times shows that the strengthened anti-corruption campaign has contributed to affirming the role and consolidating the prestige of the Party and the State, maintaining people's trust, and receiving high praise from the international community. Vietnam's Corruption Perception Index increased by 40 ranks, from 123rd in 2012 to 83rd out of 180 countries and territories in 2023.

6. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong once stressed, "Under any circumstances, it is crucial to adhere to our ideological stance, consistently uphold the goals, viewpoints, and policies of our Party in building and perfecting the socialist rule-of-law state and legal system."

Over the past years, the building of the socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people, and for the people has achieved many important results and continues to be refined in theoretical foundations based on practical experience. Strategic breakthroughs in institutional improvement have been particularly emphasized; the legal system has been regularly reviewed, amended, supplemented, and perfected, contributing to the promotion of economic, social development, and international integration, including many foundational laws such as the Constitution, the Penal Code, the Civil Code, the Land Law, the Investment Law, and the Enterprise Law. Efforts have focused on building a clean, strong, streamlined state apparatus that operates effectively and efficiently, creates development, and serves the people, associated with restructuring and improving the quality of the cadre, civil servant, and public employee team. The number of ministries and equivalent bodies has been reduced from 27 (1992 - 1997 period) to 22 currently.

Decentralization and delegation of authority have been promoted, associated with resource allocation, enhancing the implementation capacity of lower levels, and strengthening inspection, supervision, and power control. Public service reform and public financial reform have seen many positive changes; transparency, accountability, and strict discipline in the activities of the state and its cadres, civil servants, and public employees have been increased. Administrative reforms, especially simplifying and reducing administrative procedures and improving the business investment environment, have been accelerated, contributing to removing difficulties for production and business, creating all favorable conditions for the people and enterprises.

Following the teaching of President Ho Chi Minh, "Unity, unity, great unity - Success, success, great success," our entire Party, army, and people have always paid special attention to building and consolidating the great national unity bloc, closely linking domestic unity with international solidarity, combining national strength with the strength of the era, considering this a particularly important foundational factor in the process of building, developing the country, and defending the Fatherland. Under the leadership of the Party, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, political-social organizations, and mass organizations have continuously innovated their content and modes of operation, promoting propaganda, mobilizing and gathering the masses, enhancing the spirit of solidarity, unanimity, and joint effort, contributing to creating social consensus.

Efforts have been strengthened in social supervision and criticism activities, associated with increasing transparency and openness; actively participating in the building of a clean, strong Party, State, and political system; effectively acting as a bridge between the Party, the State, and the people, contributing to consolidating the people's trust in the Party, the State, and the socialist regime. The strength of great national unity has been increasingly consolidated and enhanced; human rights, citizens' rights, and people's sovereignty have been increasingly promoted, becoming more substantial and effective, especially in participating in and deciding on major, important national issues and mechanisms and policies directly related to social life, demonstrating the good nature and superiority of our regime.

The tremendous and historically significant achievements of our country over nearly four decades affirm the correctness of the reform, integration, and development line under the leadership of the Party, the foremost factor determining all victories of the Vietnamese revolution. These achievements are closely linked with the great contributions of previous generations of leaders, prominently including the significant role and outstanding mark of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He has left a shining example of revolutionary ethics, dedicating his utmost efforts to the revolutionary cause of the Party for the current and future generations. Hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people, along with hundreds of international delegations, have paid their respects directly; thousands of foreign delegations and tens of thousands of foreign individuals have visited Vietnamese representative agencies abroad; hundreds of countries and international organizations have sent condolences; millions of Vietnamese people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, religions, and beliefs, especially the younger generation, have expressed their immense sorrow at the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. These images reflect the deep respect and close bonds of the compatriots and soldiers across the country, overseas Vietnamese, and international friends for a particularly outstanding leader of our Party, State, and people. They also demonstrate the steadfast trust of the people in the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam, the cultured, civilized, and heroic nation of Vietnam.

Persisting in, applying, and creatively developing Marxism-Leninism, President Ho Chi Minh’s Thought, and consistently implementing the reform, integration, and development line; steadfast in the goal of national independence and socialism; focusing on building and rectifying the Party and the entire political system to be clean, strong, and comprehensive; constructing a streamlined, effective, and efficient state apparatus; practicing and widely promoting socialist democracy; maximizing the combined strength, creativity, will, and aspirations of the entire nation and the political system in combination with the strength of the era; we firmly believe that our country will undoubtedly develop in an increasingly dignified and beautiful manner, and our people will certainly have a more prosperous and happier life, as our beloved President Ho Chi Minh always wished and as previous generations, including General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, have devotedly and tirelessly strived and dedicated their lives.

Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong forever belongs to our country, our people, and the cause of renewal of our nation. Continuing the efforts, contributions, and dedication of the Comrade, today's and future generations must further promote the spirit of unity “Before call, behind support,” "One call, thousands responses," "Above and below are of one heart," and "Seamless cooperation,” and the achievements attained, striving to overcome all difficulties and challenges, maintaining and further enhancing the country's position, potential, status, and prestige. Successfully accomplishing the industrialization and modernization, leading our nation steadily on the path of rapid and sustainable development.

(*). The title of the article is cited and set by Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper.