Hanoi (VNA) – Over nearly 96 years since its founding, particularly during 40 years of renewal, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has led the nation through a historic journey marked by the will, mettle, and intellect of the Vietnamese people.
From difficult beginnings to achievements of historic significance, Vietnam has risen vigorously, deepened international integration, and steadily enhanced its global standing.
Achievements reflecting Party–people unity
A report reviewing theoretical and practical issues from four decades of Doi Moi (renewal), issued by the 13th Party Central Committee, noted that before reform, Vietnam was a poor country heavily devastated by war and facing a severe socio-economic crisis in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
During roughly a decade following national reunification (1975–1985), per capita income ranged between 125 USD and 200 USD per year, placing Vietnam among the world’s poorest countries, while inflation soared to 774.7% in December 1986.
Facing those challenges, the Party recognised renewal as a matter of vital importance. It objectively assessed realities, drew lessons from practice, and placed firm trust in the people’s strength.
At the 6th National Party Congress in 1986, the CPV launched the renewal policy, marking a turning point in Vietnam’s transition toward socialism and ushering in a period of comprehensive reforms.
The reform process began with economic changes, shifting from a centrally planned and subsidy-based system to a market-oriented mechanism. Over time, this evolved into a modern market economy with extensive international integration, operating under market principles while maintaining a socialist orientation toward the goal of a “prosperous people, strong nation, democracy, justice and civilisation.”
As a result, the economy has maintained steady growth, expanded in scale and improved in structure. Living standards have risen significantly, with higher incomes and declining poverty rates.
Progress has also been recorded in education, healthcare, science and technology, culture and social welfare, while greater attention has been given to social equity and security.
Vietnam’s international standing has also grown steadily. The country has become a trusted partner and a responsible member of the international community.
Vietnam currently maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries and has established a variety of comprehensive strategic partnerships with major powers, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
It is also an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and more than 70 regional and international organisations, maintains relations with 230 countries and territories, and participates in 17 effective free trade agreements linking major economies.
These achievements demonstrate the soundness of the Party’s renewal policy and provide a solid foundation for further national development.
Moving towards new development era
Building on the achievements of the past 40 years of renewal, the 14th National Party Congress is expected to mark an important milestone, opening a new stage of national development.
According to congress’s draft documents, Vietnam aims to become a developing country with a modern industry and upper-middle-income by 2030, and a developed socialist country with high income by 2045.
The congress’s draft political report emphasises strengthening national defence and security while promoting foreign affairs and international integration as key and regular tasks, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.
It also highlights the principle of independence and self-reliance alongside peace, friendship, cooperation and development in foreign relations, he added.
According to Party General Secretary To Lam, the Party’s mission is to lead the country into a new era of development and prosperity in which a socialist Vietnam with rich people, a strong nation, and a democratic, equitable and civilised society is successfully built, standing shoulder to shoulder with powers across five continents. In that era, all people have a prosperous and happy life and are supported to develop their own wealth while Vietnam contributes to regional and global peace, stability, and development, for the happiness of humanity and global civilisation.
“With confidence in the strength of the Party and the solidarity of the entire nation, it could be affirmed that the entire Party, people and army will unite to surmount all difficulties and challenges, securing fast and sustainable development for the country in the new era as well as a glorious and bright future for the Vietnamese people,” he stated./.
