Vietnam's Miraculous Journey Through the Lens of International Scholars

(Chinhphu.vn) - 80 years since September 2, 1945, Vietnam has gone through a difficult but brilliant journey of achievements. On this occasion, many international scholars and politicians have agreed that reform and integration are two parallel driving forces that have brought Vietnam forward.

Reform and integration are two parallel driving forces that move Vietnam forward.

Reform – the driving force for breakthrough

Mr. Lamijo, a Southeast Asia researcher at the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) , affirmed that Vietnam has achieved "spectacular" growth: GDP increased about 60 times since the beginning of the reform to more than 476 billion USD in 2024; average annual growth is about 6%, in 2024 alone reaching 7.09%, one of the countries with the highest growth rate in the world . Along with that, the poverty rate has decreased to below 3%, the average income per capita is about 4,500 USD (2023-2024).

According to him, infrastructure development, especially cross-border rail and highway corridors with China to connect Southeast Asia and China, is one of the key factors that create the foundation for growth and is of strategic significance at the national, regional and global levels. This success inspires ASEAN that with strategic vision, political stability and determination to reform, the development gap can be narrowed.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak - Photo: Newsweek

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak described Vietnam as a "typical development success story". The 1986 Doi Moi was a turning point that demonstrated the spirit of reform and the desire to rise up; Vietnam has lifted millions of people out of poverty, made rapid and impressive progress in many fields and is aiming to become a high-income country by 2045.

According to VNA, the 2022 visit helped him feel the "special energy" of the Vietnamese people, expressed in their concentration, unity and desire for development.

Prof. Dr. Ignacio Bartesaghi, Director of the Institute of International Trade (Catholic University of Uruguay), coordinator of the ASEAN Chamber of Commerce - MERCOSUR , assessed that attracting FDI and improving infrastructure have contributed to "changing the face" of Vietnam, turning the country from a traditional agricultural country into an emerging economy capable of exporting high-tech goods.

He also emphasized a flexible foreign policy: Maintaining good relations within and outside the region, being active in ASEAN, while tightening cooperation with the US and the European Union, thereby not only expanding foreign space, but also attracting capital and technology for sustainable development.

Ms. Mariam J. Sherman, WB Country Director in Vietnam

Ms. Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam , commented: "Since Doi Moi 1986, Vietnam has created one of the most impressive development stories in the world."

According to her, in the late 1980s, more than half of the population lived in extreme poverty, now that figure has dropped to less than 1%. Per capita income has increased sixfold, life expectancy has increased by seven years compared to the early 1990s. Trade turnover is equivalent to more than 160% of GDP – among the highest in the world.

Integration to reach far

From Latin America, Congresswoman Ana Karina Rojo Pimentel, Chairwoman of the Mexican House of Representatives Welfare Committee , expressed her admiration for Vietnam’s ability to maintain stability and recover quickly even during the COVID-19 period. According to her, the secret lies in hard work, scientific innovation and creativity, and investment in education and human resource training.

Congresswoman Ana Karina Rojo Pimentel, President of the Welfare Committee of the Mexican House of Representatives

Congresswoman Ana Karina Rojo Pimentel said that Vietnam's 80-year journey is an "epic of aspiration and courage", laying the foundation for Vietnam to continue to move forward, becoming a model of sustainable development and successful integration not only in Asia but also around the world.

In Europe, Mr. Stefano Bonilauri, Director of Anteo Edizioni Publishing House (Italy) , commented that the 80-year journey has created a foundation for Vietnam to enter a new era of development with an increased international position: Establishing diplomatic relations with 194 countries, developing strategic partnerships, closely cooperating with all major powers, and actively integrating into key international institutions. Vietnam is considered a responsible member of the international community, making significant contributions to global peace, stability and development.

To integrate more deeply, Vietnam needs to promote innovation, green development and digital transformation, while proactively responding to climate change and narrowing regional inequality.

Mr. Ludwig Graf Westarp, Vice President of the Vietnam - Germany Association, lecturer at Dortmund University of Technology - Photo: vir.com.vn

Mr. Ludwig Graf Westarp, Vice President of the Vietnam-Germany Association, lecturer at the Dortmund University of Technology, affirmed that after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi, Vietnam has transformed from a poor country relying on agriculture into a middle-income economy with rapid growth and strong global integration. This achievement is demonstrated through strong poverty reduction, expansion of social security, health care, education, and early completion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and is currently continuing to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He emphasized that high-standard FTAs ​​such as CPTPP, EVFTA, RCEP, and the upgrading of the comprehensive strategic partnership have helped Vietnam affirm its position in the international supply chain and trade. According to him, the "four pillars" of the Politburo's resolution are the foundation and driving force for the era of take-off, towards a knowledge-based economy, with innovation as the driving force and global connectivity.

Looking back over 80 years, while reform has created internal momentum, integration has opened the door to the world. From its resilience and international engagement, Vietnam is taking steady steps towards its 2045 aspiration: a developed, powerful, prosperous country with a strong voice in the international arena.

An Binh (synthesis)

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/hanh-trinh-ky-dieu-cua-viet-nam-qua-lang-kinh-hoc-gia-quoc-te-102250901150340019.htm