Vietnam's Remarkable Development Left Strong Impression on International Friends

	People must come first to achieve development goals: P4G
	Vietnam Regards Development of Science, Technology, and Digital Transformation as Top Priority

Professor Carl Thayer of the Australian Defence Force Academy under the University of New South Wales. (Photo: VNA)

Since the national reunification on April 30, 1975, Vietnam has undergone a profound transformation, from a war-torn nation into a peaceful country with a lower-middle-income status.

The comment was made by Professor Carl Thayer of the Australian Defence Force Academy under the University of New South Wales, in an interview with a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Australia.

Prof. Thayer pointed out that Vietnam faced substantial challenges during the first 15 years after reunification, marked by border conflicts in the southwest and north, as well as a US-imposed embargo on aid and trade, which severely hindered post-war recovery and development.

He highlighted that the turning point in overcoming Vietnam's socio-economic crisis was its leadership's visionary decision to implement the Renewal (Doi Moi) of the economic system, embrace international openness, and foster private sector growth.

Vietnam has made significant strides in diversifying and expanding its foreign relations through strategic partnerships and active international integration, joining organizations such as APEC, ASEAN, and the World Trade Organization, which have strengthened its reputation as a dependable global partner, according to Prof. Thayer.

Currently, Vietnam promotes technology transfer and co-production, acquiring expertise to produce computer chips and electric vehicles, he added.

Cuban war correspondent Luis Arce, who witnessed the historic victory on April 30, 1975, described the event as one of the defining moments of modern history. Since that day, Vietnam has entered a new era, achieving widespread economic and institutional progress in a short time span, Arce remarked.

He emphasized Vietnam's remarkable rise from the devastation of war, likening it to a “phoenix,” and noted that the country exemplifies how global integration can drive development, while economic competition can foster cooperation to ensure peace and improve humanity's welfare.

UCH Leang, Acting Director of the Department Asian, African and Middle East Studies, of International Relations Institute of Cambodia of Royal Academy of Cambodia and the President of the Cambodia Alumni from Vietnam Association. (Photo: People's Army Newspaper)

UCH Leang, Acting Director of the Department Asian, African and Middle East Studies, of International Relations Institute of Cambodia of Royal Academy of Cambodia and the President of the Cambodia Alumni from Vietnam Association writes on the KhmerTimeskh: "After 50 years of national unification, Vietnam has achieved many important achievements in all fields".

In terms of politics, Vietnam maintains independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and socialist orientation; maintain the leadership and ruling role of the Party, ensures the effective management role of the State, strongly promotes the people’s mastery; ensures the highest national interests based on the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, equality, cooperation and mutual benefit. Continuing to build and perfect the Vietnamese socialist rule of law, State of the people, by the people and for the people, led by the Party, is the central task of the political reform.

According to the President of the Cambodia Alumni from Vietnam Association, Vietnam's economy has grown rapidly. In 2023, GDP reached $433.7 billion, ranking 35th globally and 5th in ASEAN, with poverty reduced to 2.93%. By 2024, GDP rose to $476.3 billion, trade surplus hit $24.77 billion, and international visitors increased by 39.5% to 17.6 million.

"Culture, society, education and training, science and technology, health all have remarkable developments in building the national value system, cultural value system, family value system, and Vietnamese human standards. The country’s scientific and technological potential is enhanced. Social security and social welfare policies, ethnic policies, religious policies, policies for people with meritorious services, and policies for overseas Vietnamese… are implemented synchronously and achieve positive results. People’s health care, medical examination, and treatment have access to many advanced techniques in the world. The quality of education at all levels is improved, and the application of science and technology is enhanced. Ethnic, religious, and belief policies are prioritized; child care and protection, youth education, promoting the role of the elderly, gender equality, women’s advancement, and information and communication… are enhanced", he said. As a result, Vietnam ranked 54 out of 166 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Index in 2024.

Regarding defense and security, Vietnam firmly protects its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while harmonizing economic, cultural, and social development with defense and security. Defense and security capabilities are strengthened, effective measures are implemented, and a stable environment is maintained for national growth.

As for foreign affairs, Vietnam deepens international integration, achieves strategic milestones, and enhances its global position. Its foreign policy fosters peace, stability, and access to external resources, supporting national development and growth.

"The Cambodia-Vietnam relationship has strengthened and developed in all fields, and not only benefits both countries but also has a very positive impact on the Southeast Asian region and the world by contributing to maintaining regional peace and stability, strengthening solidarity, and promoting ASEAN’s centrality," according to UCH Leang, expressing his believe that the achievements over the past 50 years will be a solid foundation for Vietnam is poised to enter a new era of the nation’s rise, achieving the goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world, as well as promoting the increasingly developing Cambodia-Vietnam relationship.

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