Journey of Prosperity and Happiness

Putting people at the center, protecting and promoting basic rights, and linking growth with social progress and equity are also Vietnam's development perspectives that are highly appreciated by international public opinion. (Photo: Le Dong/VNA)

If independence is the beginning of a nation's existence, then happiness is the goal and motivation for every step of the Vietnamese people.

Since the fall of 1945, Vietnam has gradually built a society towards prosperity, equality and happiness for all people.

That journey is written with development achievements, sustainable social security policies and continuous efforts to improve the quality of life and ensure human rights for the people.

In the journey of the past 80 years, it is impossible not to mention the nearly 40-year journey of Renovation - a period that has brought about impressive achievements in both the economic and social aspects, creating a solid foundation for comprehensive development in the future, which former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak called a "typical success story of development."

However, such development is only meaningful when associated with social progress and justice, taking the people as the center, and aiming at true happiness for the people.

That is also the reason why the motto "people know, people discuss, people do, people inspect, people supervise, people benefit" is determined by the Party as the guiding principle in policy planning and implementation, with the highest goal: people are truly in control, have a prosperous and happy life.

This approach is not only agreed upon by the people, but also recognized and appreciated by the international community.

Assessing the journey to bring prosperity and happiness to the Vietnamese people, Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane praised Vietnam's strong transformation from a poor country, suffering the heavy consequences of decades of war, to a progressive, modern country with political stability, social safety and order, sustainable economic development, and constantly improving people's lives.

Impressive indicators such as Vietnam is currently the 33rd largest economy in the world and is among the fastest growing countries; in 2024, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will reach more than 476 billion USD, per capita income will increase sharply to about 4,700 USD (from 498 USD/year/person in 2000), which is a testament to sustainable development and improvement of people's lives.

This is also the opinion of Professor Carl Thayer at the Australian Defense Academy, University of New South Wales.

He emphasized that Doi Moi is a strategic step, helping Vietnam to significantly reduce poverty and unemployment rates, expand social insurance, improve the healthcare system, and enhance gender equality - important steps for a developing country.

Professor Carl Thayer was interviewed by a VNA reporter in Australia. (Photo: Thanh Tu/VNA)

Meanwhile, Professor, Dr. Michael Brie (Germany) expressed his impression of Vietnam's transformation from one of the poorest countries to a middle-income economy, with dynamic production, a booming digital economy, and a growing middle class. The ability to effectively respond to financial crises, epidemics, and climate change demonstrates the State's governance capacity and the people's consensus.

According to Congressman Pedro Vázquez, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Mexican House of Representatives, from a subsidized economy, Vietnam has transformed itself into a dynamic, deeply integrated market economy, becoming a powerhouse in the export of electronics, textiles, agricultural products and an attractive destination for international investment. At the same time, Vietnam is also recognized as a bright spot in responding to climate change, developing renewable energy and preserving biodiversity.

Innovation not only lays the foundation for Vietnam to ensure prosperity and happiness for its people, aiming to become a high-income developed country by the mid-21st century, but also affirms its capacity to fulfill international commitments.

Dr. Kambiz Ghawami, Chairman of the German Committee of the World University Service (WUS), said that Vietnam has the right to be proud of its achievements such as achieving 5/8 of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG 2015), especially in the fields of poverty reduction, universal education, health care and women's empowerment...; at the same time, it is a pioneering country, actively implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030).

According to Dr. Ghawami, although the goal of completing 17 SDGs by 2030 is very ambitious, Vietnam can completely achieve it if it consistently puts people at the center.

Taking people as the center, protecting and promoting basic rights, linking growth with progress and social justice are also Vietnam's development perspectives that are highly appreciated by international public opinion.

Dr. Nadia Radulovich (University of Salvador, Argentina) commented that this is a highlight in Vietnam's development model. This policy aims to ensure social security, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of life, clearly demonstrated in Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW (2022) of the 13th Party Central Committee.

She emphasized that Vietnam does not wait for the economy to develop highly to implement social justice, and certainly does not sacrifice social progress to pursue pure growth.

Professor, Dr. Phan Kim Nga (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) said that thanks to the steadfastness of the motto "development for the people," Vietnam has achieved much progress in education, health care, employment and social security covering all people.

Professor-Doctor Phan Kim Nga. (Photo: Quang Hung/VNA)

Sharing this opinion, Lawyer Do Gia Thang, General Secretary of the Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs Abroad and the Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs in Australia, stated that economic achievements have positively spread to society - reducing poverty, expanding social security, improving education and healthcare, and strengthening the law to protect human rights and equality.

He emphasized: "That is the most sustainable measure of development" that the Party and State of Vietnam always persistently pursue.

Professor Nghiem Duc Long (University of Technology Sydney, President of the Association of Vietnamese Intellectuals and Experts in Australia - VASEA), also mentioned the policy of "leaving no one behind," considering this a clear demonstration of the concern of the entire political system in ensuring social security and improving the lives of people, especially vulnerable groups and rural areas.

Looking back at 80 years of construction and development, it can be seen that all of Vietnam's policies and strategies are aimed at the highest goal: bringing prosperity and happiness to the people.

According to Vázquez, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Mexican House of Representatives, Vietnam's success is not only a story about the strength of belief and self-reliance, but also a story about the people's aspiration to rise up for happiness. That is the reason why Vietnam is ranked in the list of countries with a high happiness index, despite a long period of war and a rise from poverty and backwardness.

Referring to Vietnam's development path, Professor, Dr. Phan Kim Nga affirmed that the achievements and experience of 80 years of revolution and nation building are a solid foundation for the Communist Party of Vietnam, under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam, to open a new era for the nation's rise. This is an important guarantee for Vietnam to become a developed socialist country in the middle of the 21st century, realizing President Ho Chi Minh's aspiration for a Vietnamese nation "standing shoulder to shoulder with the world powers."./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/hanh-trinh-am-no-hanh-phuc-post1058602.vnp