“Vietnam’s era of national progress” Understanding and implementation

Assoc.Prof., Dr. PHAM MINH SON
TRAN MAI HUONG
Academy of Journalism and Communication

1. Introduction

“The era of national progress” is the message emphasized by General Secretary To Lam in many recent important articles and speeches - serving as a call to arms, inspiring development, encouraging the spirit of action, renovation, creativity, daring to think, daring to do, to realize the aspiration of building a prosperous and happy Vietnam. The major orientations within General Secretary To Lam’s vision of national development have been and are being shaped in the draft documents for the 14th National Party Congress. The articles and speeches by General Secretary To Lam have clearly pointed out the basic foundations and conditions for the new era, Vietnam’s era of national progress.

To rise successfully and realize the aspiration for a strong and prosperous nation, a just, democratic, and civilized society, and a people who live in prosperity and happiness-toward the centennial anniversaries of the founding of the Party and the founding of the country - there must be unified understanding, shared belief, and political determination from the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire armed forces.

2. Understanding the era of “Vietnam’s national progress”

“Era” is often understood as a certain historical period in the development process of a nation, in which strategic goals and tasks are completed, marked by qualitative changes in society, with very clear and typical development milestones and opening a new page of history. Each era is formed by multiple factors, in which internal strength is the decisive factor, while also being affected by external, international and contemporary factors. Vietnam’s era of national progress is a certain historical period in the development process of the nation, in which strategic goals and tasks are implemented and completed, creating a turning point for the next stage of development. Looking back at history, since the founding of the country (September 2, 1945) until now, our country has gone through: The era of independence and freedom; The era of renovation and development; and is now entering the era of national progress.

The “era of independence and freedom” began with the victory of the August Revolution in 1945; for the first time in history, a democratic republic was born in Vietnam; the Vietnamese people became the masters of the country, masters of their own destiny; Vietnam transformed from a semi-feudal colony into an independent, free and democratic country.

The “era of renovation and development” began with the 6th National Party Congress (1986), creating an important turning point in the cause of national construction and defense. Through nearly 40 years of renovation under the leadership of the Party, thanks to the determined participation and efforts of the entire political system, the entire people, and the entire military in synchronously and effectively implementing the guidelines, policies, and strategies of the Party and the State, the country has achieved great accomplishments of historic significance. Vietnam “has never had such a foundation, potential, position and international prestige as today”. From a country devastated by many wars, poor, backward, hungry, besieged and embargoed, Vietnam has now become a country with an economy 96 times larger, from USD 4.5 billion (in 1986) to USD 430 billion (in 2023), ranked 35th in the world. Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 193 countries, strategic partnerships and comprehensive strategic partnerships with 30 countries, including all members of the United Nations Security Council and many major powers (G20 member states), and is an active member of over 70 regional and international organizations. Vietnam has signed 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) with more than 60 countries and major economies, contributing to bringing Vietnam into the group of 20 economies with the largest trade scale in the world. The investment and business environment are increasingly improved; Vietnam continues to be a highlight in attracting foreign investment; over USD 39.4 billion in 2023, with realized capital reaching USD 23.2 billion, entering the group of 20 leading countries in the world in attracting FDI capital.

The fields of culture, society, and environment have been given due attention, ensuring harmony with economic development and achieving many significant outcomes. The role of culture as a spiritual foundation, an internal resource, and a breakthrough driving force for national development has been strongly promoted, especially after the National Cultural Conference in 2021.

Social security has been ensured, and the material and spiritual life of the people continues to improve, in the spirit of “no one is left behind”. Policies for people with meritorious services, social protection, ensuring social security, and sustainable poverty reduction are given special attention; the poverty rate in 2023 decreased to 2.93% compared to more than 58% in 1993 - an achievement that has been internationally recognized and regarded as a successful model of poverty reduction among developing countries over the past 30 years. Vietnam has achieved many of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of schedule and has been recognized by the United Nations as one of the leading countries in efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The achievements of the “Era of Independence and Freedom” and the great, historical achievements of the “Era of Renovation and Development” have created a solid foundation for our country to enter a new era - “The Era of national progress”. This era implies creating a strong, decisive, resolute, positive, effortful, self-reliant, and confident movement to overcome challenges, surpass oneself, realize aspirations, reach goals, and make great achievements(3).

“Vietnam’s era of national progress” is understood as an era of breakthrough and strong development, striving toward 2030 - on the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Party, when our country aims to become a developing nation with modern industry and upper-middle income; and toward 2045 on the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the nation, when Vietnam aspires to become a developed, high-income country oriented toward socialism, as set out by the 13th National Party Congress (in 2021). Vietnam’s era of national progress is the era of civilization, modernity, wealth and prosperity.

“Vietnam’s era of national progress” represents the vision, awareness, theoretical thinking, new viewpoints, directions, strategic shaping, and political determination for the future of the leader of the Party. Vietnam’s era of national progress requires new developments in theory, thinking, strategy, methods of implementation and tasks to be properly performed.

The articulation of the viewpoint “Vietnam’s era of national progress” holds significance in outlining new thinking and new directions - not only to fulfill the goals set by the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress but also to create a foundation for the 14th Party Congress term - a term that marks the nation’s entry into a new era: “Vietnam’s era of national progress”. This viewpoint also provides the premise for developing, supplementing and perfecting the documents of the 14th Congress to reach a scientific level, crystallizing the theoretical level and intellectual height of the entire Party, realizing the belief and aspirations for the development of the nation and the political determination of the entire Party, the entire people and the entire military in the cause of firmly building and defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The identification and usage of the concept “Vietnam’s era of national progress” is a message about a new development period for our country in the coming decades, emphasizing the determination to realize the development goals that have been set out, creating a historic turning point, opening a new development period for the country. This message has been embraced by our cadres, party members and people and has attracted the attention of the international community. The position and strength of the country after nearly 40 years of renovation, the unity and consensus of the entire Party, the people, and the armed forces, new opportunities and favorable conditions, and the Party’s wise leadership - all constitute the necessary conditions for the nation to advance into “Vietnam’s era of national progress”.

“Vietnam’s era of national progress” is an inevitable, objective requirement and the natural result of previous successes opened up for the nation; marking a new period of development, in accordance with the objective laws of the country and the times, with the general development trends towards the noble goals of humanity.

The theory of “Vietnam’s era of national progress” is not a complete denial of existing theories, but rather an inheritance, supplementation, development, and refinement of the theoretical achievements that have already been attained - serving as a pioneering and guiding framework for the new stage of development. “Vietnam’s era of national progress” requires new - continued exploration, more profound awareness, and further breakthroughs; it calls for bold and decisive implementation of strategic tasks in order to achieve goals more rapidly and effectively. Accordingly, “Vietnam’s era of national progress” is the era of national development led and ruled by the Communist Party, successfully building a socialist Vietnam with a rich people, a strong country, a democratic, fair, and civilized society, standing on par with the world powers.

The theoretical foundation of “Vietnam’s era of national progress” is the steadfastness and creative application and development of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought; steadfastness in the goal of national independence and socialism; steadfastness in the Party’s renewal policy; steadfastness in the principles of Party building to develop and firmly defend the Fatherland. Along with that, it is necessary to always ensure the highest national interests based on the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, equality, cooperation, and mutual benefit. At the same time, continue to rapidly develop the country sustainably; closely link and synchronously implement tasks in which socio-economic development is centered; Party development is the key; cultural development is the spiritual foundation; ensuring national defense and security is an essential and constant task.

Theoretical thinking about the new era - the era of national progress - is the inheritance and development of the understanding and theoretical thinking about the new development stage for the country and the Vietnamese people. The provisions for entering “Vietnam’s era of national progress”, as General Secretary To Lam affirmed, is the spirit of patriotism, self-confidence, autonomy, self-reliance, national pride, and the strength of great national unity; realizing the aspiration to develop a prosperous and happy country; promoting the mastery of the people, the combined strength of the entire political and cultural system, the Vietnamese people, liberating all productive forces, maximizing internal resources, taking advantage of external resources, taking internal resources, human resources as the foundation, science - technology, and renovation as the new driving force for rapid and sustainable development, a breakthrough to lead the country into a new era.

3. Implementation of “Vietnam’s era of national progress”

“Vietnam’s era of national progress” is taking place in a new global context - one marked by transformative shifts of an epochal nature, influencing the security and development of all nations and peoples, including Vietnam. Industrial Revolution 4.0 is ushering in a new economic era characterized by the digital economy, globalization, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, etc. This requires “Vietnam’s era of national progress” to be built and deployed on the practical foundations drawn from both the global and domestic context, to determine the goals, orientations, and methods of implementation.

The goals of “Vietnam’s era of national progress”, must closely follow the revolutionary spirit of the 13th National Party Congress, which is: to strive by 2030, the 100th anniversary of the Party’s founding, to become a developing country with modern industry and high average income; to have a modern, competitive, effective and efficient management system; to have a dynamic, fast and sustainable economic development, independence and autonomy on the basis of science, technology, renovation, and creativity liked with improving the effectiveness of foreign affairs and international integration. At the same time, it is necessary to arouse the aspiration of developing the country, promoting the creativity, will and strength of the entire nation, building a prosperous, democratic, fair, civilized, orderly, disciplined, and safe society, ensuring a peaceful and happy life for the people. To constantly improve the people’s lives in all aspects; to firmly protect the Fatherland, a peaceful and stable environment for national development; Enhance Vietnam’s position and prestige in the international arena. The goal is that by 2045 - the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam - Vietnam becomes a developed country with high income, oriented toward socialism.

The strategic orientations to lead the country into the era of national progress, as General Secretary To Lam affirmed, are to improve the Party’s leadership methods; strengthen the Party spirit in building and perfecting the socialist rule-of-law State of the people, by the people, for the people; streamline the organization of the apparatus for effective and efficient operation, digital transformation; fight waste, and so on. This is a sprint stage to realize the goals of 2030 and 2045. With a strategic vision leading the country into a new era, we have faith in Vietnam’s strong rise. This is an important strategic period, the sprint stage to create a new era - Vietnam’s era of national progress; to realize the goals of becoming a modern industrialized country by 2030, and a modern industrialized country with a socialist orientation by 2045.

To successfully implement “Vietnam’s era of national progress”, the Party must develop increasingly comprehensive guidelines and policies regarding this era of “Vietnam’s era of national progress”. The State has already begun building master plans, implementation frameworks, and comprehensive mechanisms for executing the “Vietnam’s era of national progress”. There must be “new thinking” and “new actions” in accelerating the development of institutional systems, infrastructure, education and training, and national governance. This is the era in which the whole country must engage in intellectual and practical efforts toward the goal of national development from now until 2045, when Vietnam aims to become a developed country with high income, oriented toward socialism. It will set the stage for a new term - a term that initiates “Vietnam’s era of national progress” through new thinking and new actions aimed at realizing the aspiration of a strong and prosperous nation. Reform in awareness and resolute action are required to create breakthroughs, overcome the middle-income trap, and lead our country to become a developed nation by the mid-21st century.

The 14th National Party Congress must propose strategic directions, tasks, and key solutions to liberate all productive forces, maximize internal resources, harness external resources, place endogenous resources and human resources as the foundation, and make science, technology, and innovation the breakthrough force to lead the country into “Vietnam’s era of national progress”. with solutions and measures that are “accurate,” “appropriate,” and breakthrough in nature.

The era of national progress reflects new quantitative requirements for the rapid and sustainable development of the country. The necessary and urgent strategies, visions, and goals of national development have become clear. The issue now lies in the timely implementation of practical, feasible methods and measures. First and foremost is the strategy for the development of science, technology, and innovation; a strategy for rapid and sustainable development, and so on.

This involves applying the achievements of science and technology - especially Industrial Revolution 4.0 - promoting the effectiveness and superiority of the socialist-oriented market economy, and emphasizing the role of willpower and human factors. Rapid and sustainable development must primarily rely on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Continuing to reform and enhance the quality of a fully developed, modern, synchronized, and integrated socialist-oriented market economy, along with effective legal implementation, is the prerequisite for promoting national development. It is essential to awaken the national development aspiration, foster the will for self-reliance, and harness the strength of the great national unity bloc to build and defend the Fatherland. Maximizing the human factor - placing people at the center, as the subject, the primary resource, and the goal of development - is fundamental. Building an autonomous economy must be based on mastering technology, proactive and active integration, diversifying markets, and enhancing the economy’s adaptability. There must be firm and persistent efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. A harmonious and close link must be maintained between economic, cultural, and social development and the consolidation of national defense, security, environmental protection, and the enhancement of foreign affairs. Political security must be ensured, and social order and safety must be guaranteed. A well-ordered, disciplined, and safe society must be built to ensure a peaceful and happy life for the people.

Breakthroughs in infrastructure development associated with digital transformation, semiconductor technology, and artificial intelligence to move towards a knowledge-based economy are listed among the top priorities. As General Secretary To Lam affirmed: Focusing on institutional and development breakthroughs, strongly renovating personnel work, completing synchronization, and making strong breakthroughs in building and developing socio-economic infrastructure. In particular, focusing on developing strategic infrastructure (focusing on transport infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and energy infrastructure). Digital and green transformations must be vigorously promoted, with science, technology, and innovation as the main drivers of development, supported by mechanisms focused on core and foundational technologies, etc.

“Vietnam’s era of national progress” is an era that emphasizes promoting creative capacity, developing an innovative ecosystem, making science - technology and innovation the driving force for rapid and sustainable national development, ensuring the highest promotion of the spirit of “self-reliance, self-confidence, self-strengthening, and national pride”; opening up new development prospects.

The new era comes with new goals, most specifically the 2045 leadership vision, reflecting the aspirations of the entire nation. This will be a huge challenge, but if successfully implemented, it will elevate the country’s position. Institutional development breakthroughs and removing bottlenecks and barriers must be breakthroughs among breakthroughs. Anti-corruption and anti-negativity efforts must serve socio-economic development - these tasks should not hinder or obstruct national development. There must be resolute efforts to overcome the mentality of “passing the buck,” avoidance, fear of making mistakes, and fear of responsibility.

The condition for successfully implementing “Vietnam’s era of national progress” is to ensure the leadership role of the Party, more specifically the inspirational and guiding role of the strategic-level political leadership contingent, especially key leaders. It is crucial to inspire positivity among all cadres, Party members, and the people to strengthen trust in leadership vision, and to foster confidence and proactive spirit in the Party and State leadership as they undertake the challenging tasks and goals the Party has outlined. From the people’s perspective, the proclamation of a new era also represents a political commitment of the Party. An era is marked by a major event, ushering in a new stage of development for the country and the nation. With clear new thinking and awareness, strong determination, and unity in thought and action, we will unlock all resources, mobilize the utmost human and material capacity, and continue to lay the new foundations for a breakthrough in national development in the years to come.

We must vigorously promote the spirit of patriotism, self-confidence, autonomy, self-reliance, resilience, and national pride; the strength of great national unity; and realize the aspiration for a prosperous and happy nation. We must advance socialist democracy, the comprehensive strength of the entire political system, and the culture and human values of Vietnam; liberate all productive forces; maximize internal strength while leveraging external resources; place endogenous and human resources as the foundation; and make science, technology, and innovation the new driving force for rapid and sustainable development - a breakthrough to lead the country into a new era, Vietnam’s era of national progress.

4. Conclusion

The entire Party, the entire people, and the entire armed forces are extremely proud of the great victories of the Vietnamese people under the wise leadership of the Party over the past 94 years, including many miracles of rising up and turning the seemingly impossible into reality. The world not only admires a heroic Vietnam in the war against colonialism and imperialism for national liberation but also admires Vietnam’s successful renovation, achieving historical significance accomplishments, constantly raising the country’s position in the international arena, becoming a vivid example for developing countries to reach new heights. The development path ahead holds many advantages, and opportunities, while being intertwined with difficulties and challenges as well. But a new era has already opened, Vietnam’s era of national progress to the heights of a developed nation, firmly on the path of national independence and socialism.

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Received: November 7, 2024; Revised: November 12, 2024; Approved for publication: November 20, 2024.

Endnotes:

(1) Articles by General Secretary To Lam such as: “Determination to build a strong Party, a prosperous, democratic, fair and civilized Vietnam”, https://dangcongsan.vn, August 4, 2024; “Digital transformation - An important driving force for developing productive forces, perfecting production relations to bring the country into a new era”, https://www.tapchicongsan.org.vn, September 2, 2024; “Continuing to renovate the Party’s leadership and governance methods, an urgent requirement of the new revolutionary stage”, https://baochinhphu.vn, September 16, 2024; and a speech delivered at Columbia University (USA), https://laodong.vn, September 23, 2024.

(2) Conclusion 97-KL/TW dated October 5, 2024, of the 10th Central Conference, 13th Central Party Congress.

(3) General Secretary To Lam: Discussion on the topic “New era, Vietnam’s era of national progress” with the trainees of the Training Course of Updating Knowledge and Skills for Planning Officers for the 14th Party Central Committee (Third Class) at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, https://hcma.vn, November 1, 2024.