Hanoi (VNA) – The 7th International Conference on Vietnamese Studies, themed “Vietnam: Sustainable Development in the New Era”, opened in Hanoi on October 25, drawing the participation of about 1,200 Vietnamese and foreign scholars from over 30 countries and territories, both in person and online.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long commended the contributions of domestic and international researchers and scholars in the field of Vietnamese studies, saying their work has supported Vietnam’s socio-economic progress and helped promote the country’s image abroad.
Highlighting Vietnam’s transformation over nearly four decades of Doi moi (Renewal), he said the nation has moved from a war-torn, underdeveloped country to a middle-income economy. In 2025, Vietnam’s economy is projected to reach a scale of 510 billion USD, ranking 32nd globally, with per capita GDP expected to rise to 5,000 USD, placing the country among the upper-middle-income group.
He noted that Vietnam’s Human Development Index (HDI) has climbed 18 places to 93rd out of 193 countries and territories, while its Happiness Index has advanced 37 places since 2020 to 46th. The United Nations has recognised Vietnam as one of the leading nations in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and as a strong performer in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Looking ahead, Vietnam aims to become an upper-middle income nation with a modern industrial base by 2030 and a high-income developed nation by 2045. To this end, the Deputy PM said Vietnam is pursuing an independent and self-reliant economy in close connection with proactive and active international integration, while continuing to promote growth, maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation, and ensure balanced socio-cultural development alongside economic and political progress.
He expressed his belief that the insights and research findings shared at the conference will further affirm the importance of Vietnamese studies and provide valuable scientific foundations for policymaking, contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable development and national protection in the new era.
Dr. Pham Duc Anh, Director of the Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Science under Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said the conference received 961 scientific papers, including 105 from international scholars representing 20 countries – the highest number in the event’s 25-year history.
Across three plenary sessions, participants discussed key issues related to sustainable development, international integration, and growth model transformation. The findings and recommendations will be compiled and submitted to Party and State agencies as scientific references for developing national strategies and programmes for the 2025–2035 period.
On October 26, leading Vietnamese and international scholars will meet with Party General Secretary To Lam to present policy recommendations on sustainable development, digital transformation, culture, and education – areas deemed crucial to fulfilling Vietnam’s vision of a prosperous, strong, and happy nation by the mid-21st century./.
