Vientiane (VNA) – Deputy Director of the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration (NAPPA) Daosavanh Kheuamixay has praised Vietnam's impressive socio-economic achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) over nearly four decades of doi moi (renewal) since 1986.
Talking with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Vientiane, Kheuamixay described the sixth CPV’s National Congress as a pivotal event that played a decisive role in national development. Since then, the Vietnamese people have entered a new era of development. This marked the beginning of comprehensive reforms tailored to Vietnam's unique realities and aligned with global development trends.
Since 1986, Vietnam has undergone a remarkable transformation. From a poor, underdeveloped economy operating under a centrally planned mechanism, heavily reliant on resource extraction, low-cost labour and external aid, Vietnam has evolved into a socialist-oriented market economy. This transition has led to historic achievements, elevating the country’s standing, potential and international reputation.
Today, Vietnam's current gross domestic product (GDP) exceeds 430 billion USD, with the average per capita income surpassing 4,300 USD annually, an unprecedented growth milestone for the nation.
Experts affirmed that Vietnam's economy has grown tenfold since the early days of renewal. They projected that by 2025, Vietnam's GDP will reach around 500 billion USD, positioning it as the fourth largest economy in ASEAN and 32nd globally. With per capita GDP expected to approach 5,000 USD, Vietnam is poised to join the ranks of upper-middle-income developing nations, laying a solid foundation for continued progress.
Kheuamixay noted that beyond economic growth, Vietnam has effectively tackled socio-economic challenges to improve citizens’ lives, making it a model for other nations.
Vietnam's diplomatic efforts have also been noteworthy on the international stage. Transitioning from a state of isolation and embargo, the country has opened its doors, pursuing a consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development while embracing diversification and multilateralism. Vietnam has proactively and comprehensively integrated into the global arena, establishing itself as a friend, a reliable partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community for national interests based on respect for the United Nations Charter, international law, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Vietnam has so far established diplomatic relations with 194 countries and maintained economic, trade and investment ties with over 230 economies. As the 20th largest global trading economy and a participant in numerous international economic organisations and free trade agreements, Vietnam has become an attractive destination for foreign investors, significantly driving economic growth across various sectors, creating numerous jobs, and generating substantial revenue for the State budget. Global economic integration has also fostered deeper cooperation and integration in education, sci-tech, culture, environmental protection, and national defence and security.
According to the Deputy Director, regardless of global and regional changes, Laos and Vietnam continue to be friends and good partners, united by a shared history and tradition of solidarity. The two nations have supported each other wholeheartedly, standing side by side in the fight against common enemies, sharing both hardships and triumphs.
This bond was not born by chance but was nurtured by generations of leaders and revolutionary fighters from both countries who sacrificed their sweat, blood and tears. This profound connection has been celebrated through literature, poetry, songs and sayings, all underscoring the depth and enduring nature of the bilateral relationship, he said.
He called on younger Lao and Vietnamese generations to further enrich their knowledge through learning and exchange activities, ensuring they carry forward the mission of inseparable solidarity between the two nations.
The older generations must bear the responsibility of educating their offspring to understand the true essence of the Laos-Vietnam relationship. This mission is a shared duty of both countries that requires continued effort, he said.
Recognising his responsibility to pass on this knowledge to students at his academy, Kheuamixay revealed that NAPPA is working closely with the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences to translate the complete works of President Ho Chi Minh from Vietnamese into Lao.
As a training ground for senior political officials, he said NAPPA will continue incorporating content from the complete works of Ho Chi Minh into its curriculum, he said, pledging further collaboration with the HCMA to build courses on the thoughts of Ho Chi Minh and Kaysone Phomvihane, integrating them into the curricula of both academies./.
