Firmly entering the era of prosperous development

In the roundtable discussion on “Vietnam firmly steps into the era of growth”, SGGP Newspaper respectfully presents to readers the perspectives of politicians and experts on the important achievements in the struggle to protect and build the country over the past 80 years.

Editor's Note: In the flow of Vietnamese national history, the 80 years since Independence Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025) hold immense significance, representing a journey from the aspiration for independence and freedom to the achievements of development today. In this roundtable discussion themed "Vietnam Steadily Advancing into an Era of Advancement," the Saigon Giai Phong Newspaper respectfully presents to our readers the perspectives of politicians and experts on the important achievements in the struggle to protect and build the country over the past 80 years. This is a solid foundation for our country to take flight and stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's leading nations.

Comrade BUI THANH SON, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government:

Diplomacy creates momentum and a favorable position, contributing to the country's steady progress.

Throughout its 80-year journey of development and growth, under the leadership of the Party and the direct guidance of President Ho Chi Minh , the first Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese diplomacy has always maintained its revolutionary spirit, continuously upholding its glorious traditions, serving the Fatherland and the people, and contributing to the great victories in the nation's revolutionary cause.

During the period of defending the nation's fledgling independence, when the country's fate hung in the balance and faced both internal and external enemies (1945-1946); during the resistance war against French colonialism (1946-1954); and during the struggle for the liberation of the South and national reunification (1954-1975), diplomacy played a pioneering role in preserving revolutionary achievements, safeguarding the people's government, breaking the encirclement and isolation, expanding relations with the outside world, securing support and assistance from international friends, and combining it with military and political efforts to create a "fight and negotiate" strategy, thus creating opportunities for the complete liberation of the South and national reunification.

During the post-war period of national reconstruction and economic development (1975-1986), diplomacy was a core and pioneering force in the struggle to lift our country out of political isolation and economic embargo.

During the Doi Moi (Renovation) period from 1986 to the present, diplomacy has played a pioneering and leading role in building peace and defending the Fatherland "early and from afar," opening up a favorable foreign policy environment for national construction and defense.

Along with national defense and security, diplomacy has contributed to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, protecting the Fatherland from early on and from afar. Border issues with relevant countries have been gradually resolved, creating a legal basis and favorable conditions for building a peaceful, friendly, and cooperative border, promoting socio-economic development, and contributing to consolidating peace and stability in the region. Economic diplomacy serving development has played a crucial role as an important driving force in socio-economic development.

From a backward country heavily devastated by war, Vietnam has now become a rapidly developing economy, ranking among the top 32 economies in terms of GDP. Our international integration process has shifted from purely economic integration to comprehensive and deep integration. To date, we have economic relations with over 230 countries and territories; we have signed and implemented 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including many new-generation FTAs.

Entering a new era for the nation, the Vietnamese diplomatic sector is committed to making every effort to continue writing the glorious history of diplomacy in the Ho Chi Minh era, wholeheartedly serving the Fatherland and the people, promoting a pioneering, proactive, and positive spirit to create momentum and contribute to the country's steady progress to new levels of development.

Comrade NGUYEN VAN THANG, Minister of Finance:

The finance sector will become more assertive, professional, and modern.

Looking back at the 80-year journey of formation, construction, and development, especially during the 40 years of Doi Moi (Renovation) to date, the Finance sector has always strived and achieved many outstanding accomplishments, making important contributions to the overall achievements of the country.

It is about innovation to build a mindset and strategic vision for economic development in each stage of the country's development, from the era of independence and freedom to the era of building socialism, the era of reform, and now the era of striving for development.

This represents a shift from a centrally planned economy to one of openness, integration, building a socialist-oriented market economy, proactively creating a new development ecosystem, and using science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the main driving forces.

These continuous efforts have contributed to an estimated average economic growth rate of approximately 6.3% per year over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, placing it among the highest growth rates in the world and the region.

From the early days of the August Revolution, the Finance sector, together with the people, tightened their belts, established the Independence Fund, issued Ho Chi Minh banknotes, and implemented financial policies during the period of overcoming the consequences of war and gradually restoring the economy. Today, state budget revenue has reached approximately 2 trillion VND, with the proportion of development investment expenditure increasing to 32%, ensuring resources for development investment, completing the target of 3,000 km of expressways and approximately 1,700 km of coastal roads, exceeding the targets set by the 13th Party Congress.

The state budget deficit accounts for approximately 3.3-3.4%, public debt is around 37% of GDP; national financial security is ensured, and the national credit rating consistently remains at a "stable" outlook.

The achievements also include breakthroughs in thinking and action in advising on institutional mechanisms and policies for socio-economic development; establishing and gradually perfecting the institutional and legal framework and infrastructure system to form and develop increasingly sustainable insurance and securities sectors to promote economic development and become an important investment and capital mobilization channel for businesses and the economy.

After 80 years of establishment and development, the Vietnamese financial sector has steadfastly overcome numerous challenges, and today can confidently embark on a new journey with a new mindset - more resilient, more professional, and more modern.

Comrade NGUYEN VAN HUNG, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism:

Investing in culture is investing in people holistically.

Throughout history, culture has always played a special role, serving both as the spiritual foundation of society and as a guiding light for the struggle and development of the nation.

President Ho Chi Minh's idea that "Culture illuminates the path for the nation to follow" remains relevant today and is even more crucial in the context of deep integration and sustainable development.

The 13th National Congress of the Party affirmed that developing culture and building human resources are central tasks. After one term of implementation, the culture, sports, and tourism sector has achieved many important results, creating a foundation for realizing the aspiration of a strong and prosperous Vietnam.

During the period 2018-2022, the cultural industry contributed an average of nearly 3.5% of GVA (gross value added), higher than the global average; the average production value reached over 1 trillion VND/year, and nearly 2 trillion VND in 2022 alone.

Exports of cultural goods have recovered strongly, especially handicrafts, placing Vietnam among the top 10 exporting countries in the world; the gaming industry has risen to 5th place globally, and software outsourcing ranks among the top 7 worldwide. The cultural workforce is increasing by an average of 7.44% per year, and the number of creative businesses is growing steadily.

In the tourism sector, cultural products ranging from festivals, cuisine, traditional crafts to community experiences have contributed to promoting the image of Vietnam as a safe and friendly country. Sports have also marked historical milestones with the first Olympic gold medal, consistently ranking in the top 3 at the SEA Games for many years, and football affirming its position in the region.

Entering a new era, culture must innovate, integrate deeply, but still preserve its national identity; it needs to be placed on par with economics, politics, society, and national defense and security in all development strategies. Investing in culture is investing in people comprehensively.

Protecting, rewarding, and honoring artists, intellectuals, artisans, and those who preserve the soul of the nation is also a way to unleash inherent strength, so that Vietnamese culture becomes the driving force to propel the country towards the goal of a strong, humane, and sustainable nation by 2045.

With its action manifesto: "Culture is the foundation - Information is the conduit - Sports are the strength - Tourism is the connecting bridge," the Culture, Sports and Tourism sector is determined to accompany the nation on its journey to realize the aspiration of a strong and prosperous Vietnam.

Dr. Nguyen Dinh Cung, former Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management Research, member of the Government's Economic Advisory Group:

The arduous journey to glory of the private economy.

In parallel with the country's development process, the private sector has gone from being unrecognized to being recognized as an indispensable part and is now the most important driving force of the economy.

It was a challenging journey, full of ups and downs, but the overarching theme was openness, a firm rejection of the "if you can't manage it, ban it" mentality, and a shift from heavy control to facilitation.

With the shift in mindset and decisive actions of leaders, many things are being done for the first time with firmness and speed. The present moment can be considered a "golden opportunity" for reform. The question is whether we can truly seize this opportunity.

The targets of an average annual growth rate of 10% by 2030, an average per capita income of $8,500 per year, and approximately $18,000 by 2045… reflect a great ambition and a strong will to propel the country forward; at the same time, the challenges are also immense.

Because over the past 40 years, Vietnam's average growth rate has only been around 6.5-7% per year. To realize these ambitious goals, I believe the prerequisite remains ensuring transparent institutions, a favorable business environment, and a strong shift towards e-government.

Furthermore, it's time to renew the drivers of growth; we can't continue with the old model of relying on scattered public investment, cheap labor, and resource exploitation. The driving force lies in science and technology, digital infrastructure, and clean energy.

At the same time, even if we still have to rely on agriculture, it must be modern, high-productivity agriculture that ensures consumer safety and is environmentally friendly. The economic structure must shift towards industry and services based on innovation.

And of course, the private sector must rise even higher, account for a larger share of GDP, be strong and confident in competing internationally, make a significant contribution to the second wave of reforms, and transform Vietnam into a developed, high-income, civilized, and sustainably developed country.

Hero of the People's Armed Forces, Lieutenant General NGUYEN HUY HIEU, former Deputy Minister of National Defense:

The younger generation will carry on the tradition and reach new heights.

The greatest value after 80 years since the founding of the nation is the enduring existence of the Vietnamese people on the foundation of independence and sovereignty. If we had to speak of the most fundamental values ​​that the Vietnamese people have preserved over the past 80 years, it would be independence and peace.

Without independence, there is no freedom; without peace, there can be no development. We must always remember that today's peace was achieved at the cost of countless lives and bloodshed from previous generations.

If previous generations wrote history with blood and tears, then today's and future generations must continue to write it with intellect, effort, and aspiration. We are proud to have a resilient nation, a steadfast Party, and a generation of forefathers who have accomplished miracles.

However, we must not rest on our laurels. We still have much work to do and many challenges ahead. The younger generation must consider independence and peace as the foundation for breakthroughs, to make Vietnam a powerful nation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world's leading powers, as President Ho Chi Minh once envisioned.

The greatest lesson after 80 years is the close bond between the nation, the Party, the people, and the younger generation. If we know how to rely on the people, unleash the power of unity, and harness the intelligence and aspirations of the youth, the country will overcome all difficulties and rise to the top.

Eighty years since Independence Day, the Vietnamese people have demonstrated to the world the strength of a small but resilient nation, full of aspirations. The responsibility for building and protecting the Fatherland today rests with the younger generation.

I believe that the younger generation of Vietnam will continue the tradition, reaching new heights, so that today's 80 years are just the beginning of glorious centuries to come.

Mr. Dinh Hong Ky, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Green Business Association: Opportunities to receive technology and finance for green development.

Amidst global changes in climate, trade, and technology, Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular are entering a new phase of development requiring both economic growth and a transition to a green development model.

This is not only an inevitable trend, but also a key to Vietnam's deeper integration and access to high-end markets with increasingly stringent ESG standards. Therefore, the collaboration between the government, businesses, and the international community has and will help transform challenges into opportunities, making Vietnam an attractive destination for green capital and technology in the future.

I believe that, together with partners from South Korea, Japan, Europe, and many developed economies, Vietnamese businesses will have the opportunity to acquire the necessary experience, technology, and financial resources to effectively promote the green transformation process.

The Green Business Association is committed to working closely with the Ho Chi Minh City government and international partners to create concrete cooperation programs, thereby expanding the market for Vietnamese products, especially green, environmentally friendly products with high added value.

Mr. LAM QUOC THANH, General Director of Saigon Trading Corporation Limited (SATRA):

Contributing to helping Vietnamese products reach a wider market.

As one of Ho Chi Minh City's leading commercial and service enterprises, SATRA is always aware of its responsibility to support the development strategy of the city and the country as a whole.

In reality, Vietnam can only achieve sustainable development by establishing closed, transparent, and efficient supply chains, thereby enhancing the value of agricultural products, food, and consumer industrial goods.

Over the years, SATRA has accelerated the restructuring of its retail system, opening modern shopping malls based on the "one-stop shopping" model, and upgrading the Binh Dien wholesale market - where thousands of tons of agricultural products are traded every night - into a regional logistics center.

Simultaneously, we are pioneers in applying digital technology, big data, and e-commerce to optimize supply chain management, bringing OCOP products, local specialties, and high-quality Vietnamese goods directly to domestic and international consumers.

We believe that SATRA's collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City government and local authorities will contribute to solving the problem of "bumper harvests leading to price drops," helping farmers stabilize their income and enhance the position of Vietnamese products in the market.

Mr. PHAM NHU ANH, General Director of MB:

Rising to prominence through digital transformation.

Digital transformation is no longer an option, but a mandatory path for businesses to survive and thrive in the 4.0 era. Recognizing digital transformation as both a core opportunity and a key objective, Military Commercial Bank (MB) launched its digital transformation strategy in 2017 with the goal of becoming a "Leading Digital Enterprise and Financial Group".

MB's achievements have formed the basis for signing a memorandum of understanding for technical cooperation with Dunamu, a South Korean corporation, to support the establishment of a cryptocurrency exchange, transfer technology, and provide comprehensive operational experience for the cryptocurrency exchange.

From a traditional commercial bank, MB has boldly invested an average of $50 million USD per year in its information technology system across three main pillars: building technology infrastructure, training human resources, and implementing automation projects. To date, the bank boasts a team of over 2,000 technology engineers, accounting for 10% of its total workforce – a rare ratio in the Vietnamese banking industry.

The bank's goal is not just to digitize operations, but to become a truly digital enterprise, where 50% of revenue will come from digital channels in the future. With an ecosystem serving 33 million customers, MB is aggressively expanding into the digital asset business, including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and other digital assets in the near future.

AI VAN - HANH NHUNG

LUU THUY - BAO VAN - THU HA

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/vung-buoc-tien-vao-ky-nguyen-phat-trien-thinh-vuong-post811285.html