Rejoicing in reunification and celebrating the nation's progress on the path of renewal!

These last days of April, we fondly recall the joy of Spring 49 years ago, when the South was completely liberated, the mountains and rivers were reunited, and North and South were brought together as one family. Even more joyful is the fact that the burning desire of President Ho Chi Minh and the entire Vietnamese nation has become a reality after more than twenty years of sacrifice and loss, a feat only a nation that never submits like Vietnam could achieve.

Our nation's resistance war against the US ended with the brilliant victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in the Spring of 1975, worthy of being recorded in history as the pinnacle of patriotic tradition and the miraculous art of people's warfare, of which President Ho Chi Minh was the embodiment of those noble values.

The historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign – a decisive, strategic campaign in the Spring 1975 General Offensive and Uprising – is a glorious milestone marking the victorious end of the resistance war against the US. (Photo: VNA)

The struggle for independence, freedom, peace , and reunification intertwined the destinies of each individual, each family, and each lineage with that of the entire nation. The Hien Luong Bridge, spanning the Ben Hai River, once a symbol of the painful division and the aspiration for national reunification, still stands today alongside National Highway 1A and many other wide and long roads, opening up new avenues for national development throughout the country.

The glorious past and the just struggle are always cherished and remembered. Moreover, they serve as a reminder of the love for peace, the spirit of reconciliation and national harmony, for a brighter and happier future. For a strong nation is one that always upholds righteousness, knows how to put aside matters of winning and losing to look towards the future.

The victory of April 30, 1975, embodied all the quintessential values ​​of the era, bringing to an end more than 20 years of hardship and sacrifice under the yoke of foreign invaders, and opening a new chapter of independence and socialism for the country.

Looking back at the journey of the "Vietnamese ship" after nearly half a century since the reunification of the country, it has truly been a long road fraught with obstacles and challenges; full of "deadly bends" where, if the helmsman is not steady, the consequences could not be foreseen.

At the Sixth National Congress (December 1986), the Party advocated for comprehensive and thorough reform in all areas of social life. (Photo: Archival material)

Ten years of groping our way out of the "bomb craters" left by war have led to the realization of mistakes in economic development, and we have paid the price for them. However, this has also provided us with valuable lessons to fuel our determination for reform. The Sixth Party Congress left a profound and significant mark on the success or failure of a ruling party. For the people's lives and the future of the country, a party that once stood at the pinnacle of leadership in the struggle for national liberation and reunification bravely confronted the truth, acknowledged its mistakes, and corrected them to embrace a new era. This was a crucial step for the political system and the national economy.

The price of peace, independence, and freedom is therefore immeasurable!

The achievements of the reform process have affirmed the Party's role in leading the country's economic development. Difficulties in the transition to a market economy mindset have gradually been overcome; the multi-sector economy, private sector, foreign investment, etc., have gradually demonstrated their positive aspects and adapted well to the investment environment as Vietnam opened up and integrated into the global economy. With its inherent potential, capabilities, experience, and unity, Vietnam has confidently overcome many turbulent times, gradually catching up with the times, leading the country to rapid and sustainable development, and achieving its rightful position in the world today.

The aspiration to build a strong and prosperous nation is just as intense as the determination to achieve independence and national reunification all those years ago!

Vietnam has confidently weathered many storms, steadily progressing to keep pace with the times, leading the country to rapid and sustainable development, and achieving its rightful position in the world today. (Illustrative image: TD)

Vietnam is considered by many international organizations as a dynamic investment destination thanks to its political stability, legal framework, and attractive tax regime. Despite being significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and facing numerous global economic difficulties and challenges, the Vietnamese economy has remained resilient, weathering the storm and achieving remarkable successes, becoming a bright spot in the region and the world.

In 2023, GDP growth exceeded 5.05%, although it did not reach the expected target of 6-6.5%, it was still high compared to many other countries. Inflation was successfully controlled, with the CPI increasing by an average of 3.25% per year, surpassing the target set by the National Assembly. Agriculture continued to be a solid pillar of the economy, contributing to ensuring food security, stabilizing people's lives, and increasing exports with a total value of over 53 billion USD. Industry recovered positively. Trade and services continued their strong growth momentum. Tourism recovered quickly, with 12.6 million international visitors to Vietnam, 3.4 times more than in 2022, far exceeding the initial target of 8 million. For the fourth time, we have been honored as a leading world heritage destination... Foreign direct investment (FDI) grew impressively, exceeding US$23 billion, a 3.5% increase compared to 2022 and the highest ever.

A highlight of 2023 was the strengthening of the Party and State's economic diplomacy activities. Vietnam upgraded its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan and the United States, which is expected to bring a new wave of high-quality investment into Vietnam in the coming period.

Ho Chi Minh City today. Photo: Archival material.

These positive results provide a basis for expecting a spectacular economic breakthrough in 2024, as government policies have a clearer impact on the economy; the three driving forces of investment, consumption, and exports continue to be strongly promoted; the shortcomings and obstacles faced by businesses, the real estate market, and corporate bonds are being addressed and improved in 2023; and the growth poles in the Northern Delta and Midlands (Hanoi - Vinh Phuc - Bac Ninh - Quang Ninh), North Central region (Thanh Hoa - Nghe An - Ha Tinh), South Central region, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Southeast and Central Highlands regions are gradually taking shape, continuing to lead the economy towards sustainable development. These signals allow the National Assembly to set a GDP growth target of 6-6.5% for 2024. They also indicate a high growth trend for the economy in the coming years.

Celebrating the 49th anniversary of national reunification, we are even more proud and hopeful about the future of our country on the path of reform.

Illustrative image: Archival material

Source: https://baonghean.vn/vui-thong-nhat-mung-dat-nuoc-tren-duong-doi-moi-post288522.html