Overseas Vietnamese and Their Confidence and Expectations for 14th National Party Congress
	International Friends Congratulate 14th Congress of Communist Party of Viet Nam

- As Vietnam enters the “era of the national rise,” how do you assess Vietnam’s role and contributions to regional and international issues today?

Vietnam is continuously asserting its growing position on the international stage through a foreign policy of friendship and cooperation with all countries, clearly reflected in its “bamboo diplomacy.” This approach enables Vietnam to expand cooperative relations while remaining steadfast in its core principles and flexibly adapting to the complex and evolving global situation, thereby promoting peace, dialogue, and respect for international law.

Vietnam is undergoing a period of profound transformation, with a series of large-scale development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for its people. Projects such as the North-South high-speed railway, programs to build and repair homes damaged by recent storms, the Laos-Vietnam railway, the expansion of metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the construction of nuclear power plants, and light rail systems in Phu Quoc not only contribute to raising living standards nationwide, but also open up new channels for international cooperation, enhance knowledge sharing, and strengthen friendship among nations.

Kyril Whittaker, a researcher in politics and history, and a member of the Communist Party of Britain. (Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)

Vietnam’s achievements in education and healthcare have also been highly regarded by the international community. Numerous international publications, including TIME magazine (US), have commented on the notable outcomes of Vietnam’s education system. The fact that 11 Vietnamese universities were included in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings stands as clear evidence of a sound and sustainable development trajectory.

Vietnam is also a country rich in cultural identity and history, where unity in diversity is highly valued. With eight UNESCO-recognized World Heritage sites and a cuisine that is increasingly popular worldwide, Vietnam presents a comprehensive appeal that helps strengthen national prestige and foster a positive image of the country in the eyes of the international community.

- The draft documents of the 14th National Party Congress emphasize that “all guidelines and policies must truly originate from the aspirations, rights, legitimate interests, and happiness of the people.” In your view, what is the significance of this orientation?

The orientation outlined in the draft documents of the 14th National Party Congress accurately reflects the essence and core objectives of socialism, as affirmed by President Ho Chi Minh. It serves as a fundamental driving force guiding all Party policies. Accordingly, every decision is formulated and implemented for the benefit of the people.

In today’s rapidly evolving and highly volatile international context, this orientation requires continuous improvements in living standards while placing strong emphasis on environmental protection. At the same time, it involves expanding people’s access to essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, and public transportation - areas in which Vietnam is actively formulating and implementing policies.

The recent “Quang Trung Campaign” to build homes for people in areas affected by storms and floods, as well as the nationwide program to completely eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing (completed five years ahead of schedule), provide clear evidence of an approach by a government that places people at the center, pursuing development not merely for growth or profit, but for the happiness and legitimate interests of the people.

President Ho Chi Minh once affirmed that one of the core conditions of revolutionary morality is to “wholeheartedly and devotedly serve the people; to fight selflessly for the Party and for the people; and to be exemplary in every respect.” He also emphasized that cadres and civil servants must be “servants of the people, and not be revolutionary mandarins.” Such policies, then, and the whole process of people's democracy in Vietnam, with the involvement of all sectors of society, in millions commenting on the congress document, highlight the nature and goal of the Vietnamese state: to serve the people.

- How do you assess Vietnam’s orientation toward developing the private sector and improving the investment environment in the coming period?

In my view, the development of the private sector and the expansion of the investment environment always go hand in hand with both opportunities and certain risks. What is crucial is that this process be placed within an appropriate framework to safeguard national interests and protect the people.

From that perspective, I believe the role of the State remains decisive, ensuring that the expansion of the private sector does not generate negative social impacts. Within a socialist-oriented market economy, a sufficiently strong State is the key factor in balancing economic development with the protection of the people.

The private sector, in my opinion, should be regarded as a driving force serving the broader goals of national development and improving people’s living standards. This approach is also essential to ensuring the sustainability of development over the long term.

- Thank you very much!

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