Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung hosted a banquet on Sept. 1 at the National Convention Centre in honour of the diplomatic corps in Hanoi to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (Sept. 2).

Deputy PMs Nguyen Sinh Hung, Pham Gia Khiem and Hoang Trung Hai, ministers, leaders of centrally-run agencies in Hanoi , and a large number of foreign ambassadors, charges d’affaires and head representatives from international organisations attended the event.

Speaking at the function, PM Dung said that in the past 64 years, the Vietnamese people have bravely and persistently overcome numerous difficulties and hardships to secure and maintain national independence and reunification, and to build a rich and developing country.

Renewal achievements have proved that Vietnam is not only a nation with a glorious history and a thousand-year-old civilisation, but it is also a dynamic country, which boasts plentiful potential for development as well as international integration and is steadily moving forward together with the era, he said.

The PM stated that over the past year, like many other countries worldwide, Vietnam has been facing the adverse and multidimensional impacts of the global economic crisis.

The government and people of Vietnam have spared no efforts to implement solutions and policies, and have successfully stabilised the macro-economy, curbed inflation and ensured social security.

Vietnam ’s economy has maintained its growth, reaching 6.2 percent in 2008 and is forecast to achieve a growth rate of between 5-5.2 percent in 2009 and around 6.5 percent in 2010, PM Dung said.

The government leader noted that Vietnam ’s relations with all countries and the international community have seen progress and Vietnam has taken an active part in many regional and international forums.

Vietnam has made critical contributions to the implementation of the ASEAN Charter and the building of the ASEAN Community, as well as taking over responsibilities in its role as a non-permanent member at the UN Security Council.

He told the participants that in the near future, Vietnam will host a series of important events, including those relating to its ASEAN Chairmanship and celebrations for the 1,000th founding anniversary of Hanoi-Thang Long in 2010.

The Communist Party of Vietnam will also hold its 11th National Congress in early 2011 and map out a socio-economic development strategy for the next 10 years in a bid to speed up the industrialisation and modernisation process, and realise the goal of a rich people, a strong country, and an equitable, democratic, and civilised society, PM Dung elaborated.

On behalf of the Vietnamese government and people, PM Dung conveyed sincere gratitude to governments and peoples of countries around the world as well as to the ambassadors and representatives of international organisations for their warm sentiments and precious support for, and effective cooperation with, Vietnam over the years.

He also expressed his wish that the ambassadors and representatives would continue to serve as a firm bridge to strengthen the relationship between the international community and Vietnam

Chilean Ambassador Joge Canelas, on behalf of the guests, congratulated the Vietnamese government and people on the National Day.

He spoke highly of achievements that Vietnam has made over the years, and pledged to continue supporting ongoing reforms in Vietnam./.