Bangkok (VNA) - Vietnam has made significant strides this year in building strong, comprehensive strategic partnerships (CSPs) with four key ASEAN nations - Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, commenting Thai scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn in an article recently posted in the Bangkok Post.
It is a notable achievement for Hanoi, reflecting its growing confidence and increasing political influence, according to the scholar.
He noted that under new leadership, Vietnam aims to be a bridge between influential regional players and increase its role in shaping regional norms, economies and security. This strategy enables Vietnam to maintain its strategic autonomy in the face of challenges.
With the country's long history of dealing with major powers, Vietnam is adroit at navigating complex situations and has, over the years, described its pragmatism and flexibility as "bamboo diplomacy".
The expert noted that when US President Donald Trump unilaterally hiked tariffs around the world, Vietnam was the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to initiate discussions about zero tariffs with Washington.
Within the country, Party Secretary General To Lam has adopted local policies and objectives aligned with international strategies. Domestic legislative reforms are aimed at strengthening governance, promoting efficiency and transparency, and improving public service, according to Kavi Chongkittavorn.
Several other Thai scholars have also expressed admiration for Vietnam's anti-corruption campaign and public sector reform efforts. Online outlet The Standard quoted Associate Professor Dr Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation and lecturer at the Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, who said General Secretary To Lam has continued to advance the anti-corruption drive initiated during the tenure of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
The article also cited Associate Professor Dr Thananan Boonwanna from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khon Kaen University, a noted expert on Vietnamese history. He observed that Vietnam's sweeping administrative reforms under General Secretary To Lam are unprecedented, aligning closely with the country’s long-term vision of achieving high-income status by 2045.
Dr Thananan remarked that Vietnam's modern political image, both domestically and internationally, is becoming clearer and more prominent than ever. He emphasised that Vietnam is pursuing a well-defined reform strategy that is being actively promoted and implemented, reflecting the nation’s commitment to real and meaningful change.
Reporting on Vietnam’s National Assembly’s passage of the revised Law on Organisation of Local Governments on June 16, which shifts to a two-tier local governance model—Thai media noted that the move is part of Vietnam’s comprehensive national reform agenda. It is expected to support Vietnam’s goal of achieving rapid, stable, and sustainable development, with the ambition of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2030./.
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