Vietnam's vision of a strong and prosperous country

Unloading containers onto a 200,000DWT ship at Gemalink international port, Phu My town, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. (Photo: Hong Dat/VNA)

“I first came to Vietnam in 2012. The country and its people have enriched my life. Since then, not only my work but also my family have been attached to Vietnam. I am very grateful for the German-Vietnamese exchange and cooperation, a process that has made me increasingly attached to Vietnam.”

That was the sharing and confession of Mr. Ludwig Graf Westarp, Vice President of the Vietnam-Germany Association, lecturer at Dortmund University of Technology and former Chief Representative of the German Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Vietnam, during a conversation with VNA reporters in Berlin on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025).

With many years of management experience in Europe and Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, and working for leading global real estate and integrated facility management companies on the topics of Smart Buildings, Green Buildings and Data-Driven Integrated Facility Management, Mr. Ludwig commented: “After nearly 40 years of Doi Moi, Vietnam has transformed from a poor, agriculture-based country to a middle-income, fast-growing and globally integrated economy . Growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), industrialization and trade expansion have helped reduce poverty and improve infrastructure. These achievements have strengthened social security systems, expanded health and education, and raised living standards. As a result, people’s rights, opportunities and resilience have been improved, ensuring both economic progress and social equity.”

As Project Manager working with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, which is currently supporting the development and publication of the National Environmental Protection Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050, Mr. Ludwig affirmed: “Vietnam’s early achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and active pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflect strong governance, inclusive policies and effective global cooperation. These achievements have significantly improved living standards, reduced inequality and promoted sustainable growth, laying a solid foundation for a happier, more prosperous and more confident Vietnam in the decades to come.”

In particular, Mr. Ludwig emphasized that four new important Resolutions are considered by the Politburo as the 'Quad Pillars,' creating the foundation and driving force for the country's take-off era.

Processing seafood for export. (Photo: VNA)

A transparent and consistent legal framework will build investor confidence and fair competition, while scientific and technological innovation will boost productivity and global competitiveness, he said.

Deep integration through high-standard trade agreements will expand markets, transfer technology and strengthen resilience. Empowering the private sector will unleash domestic dynamism and create jobs.

“Together, these pillars will move Vietnam towards a knowledge-based economy, driven by innovation and globally connected, ensuring sustainable growth and stronger international integration, standing firm in the 21st century,” he stressed.

Mr. Ludwig was impressed by the fact that Vietnam has become a "middle power" with a certain role and influence in the international arena: twice a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2008-2009; 2020-2021), Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020, host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in 2017 and a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term.

In addition, Vietnam is also deeply involved in high-standard trade agreements: the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP); the Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA); the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP); and upgrading its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with key partners such as the United States (September 2023), Japan (November 2023) and Australia (March 2024). These steps bring Vietnam to the negotiating table on supply chains, digital trade, climate and security across the Indo-Pacific.

Vietnam's footprint in UN peacekeeping operations has become increasingly evident, from the first deployments in 2014 to now developing into regular unit rotations.

As ASEAN Chair 2020 under the theme “Cohesive and Responsive,” Vietnam has contributed to establishing mechanisms to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and maintain regional agendas amid disruptions.

Sewing goods for export to the US and EU markets at Maxport Garment Company. (Photo: Tran Viet/VNA)

Meanwhile, as the host of APEC 2017, Vietnam led the Da Nang Declaration on inclusive, rules-based growth.

In addition, Vietnam is also steadfast in its independent foreign policy, combined with its “Four Nos” defense policy, maintaining its maritime stance based on international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

This approach allows Vietnam to expand partnerships while preserving autonomy and minimizing the risk of overdependence.

From a country recovering from war to a country that contributes to shaping rules, has dense trade activities and actively participates in peacekeeping operations, Vietnam now plays a flexible “bridge” role between the major powers and the Global South: trustworthy enough to take on important diplomatic roles and contribute to shaping regional norms, while maintaining an independent and autonomous stance in foreign policy.

Over the past 80 years, Vietnam's victories in gaining and maintaining independence, national unification, and socio-economic transformation have built a solid foundation for national pride, solidarity, and resilience.

The success of the Doi Moi reforms has helped to rapidly reduce poverty, promote strong economic growth and deep global integration, providing both material resources and institutional experience to enter a new era of development.

A stable political system, a young and increasingly skilled workforce, a dynamic private sector and expanding international partnerships offer Vietnam opportunities to transition to high-value industries, digital transformation and green growth, and to raise its voice in global governance.

Processing agricultural products for export. (Source: VNA)

However, the road ahead is not without obstacles, according to Mr. Ludwig. Vietnam is facing the risk of a “middle-income trap,” productivity gaps, and uneven development across regions and social groups.

Climate change, environmental degradation and resource constraints are threatening sustainable growth. The global environment – marked by geopolitical tensions, protectionism and shifting supply chains – requires flexible policy responses.

Domestically, continued legal-institutional reform, enhanced science-technology capacity, and governance modernization are essential to turn opportunities into long-term prosperity.

Vietnam’s 80-year journey has created the unity, economic strength and international standing needed for a new era of development, opening up opportunities in digital, green and high-value growth.

However, to realize these goals, the country must overcome structural weaknesses as well as environmental pressures and global instability through far-reaching reforms, innovation and sustainable strategies.

In conclusion, Mr. Ludwig said: “Independence-Freedom-Happiness, these three words are Vietnam’s vision of a strong, free and prosperous country, where all people can live in dignity and happiness. Vietnam has gone through an impressive journey. I wish Vietnam continued success on this path”./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/tam-nhin-cua-viet-nam-ve-mot-dat-nuoc-hung-cuong-thinh-vuong-post1057970.vnp