Fresh impetus for sustainable development

Reporter: What did Vietnam achieve in the implementation of foreign policy in 2012?

President Sang: The 11^th National Party Congress affirmed Vietnam as a reliable friend and partner of the international community in the name of peace, cooperation, and mutually beneficial development. In the process of international integration, Vietnam has won great support and trust from many countries around the world. Despite both domestic and international economic difficulties, ODA funding continued flowing into Vietnam, which is determined to build the country and protect its sovereign rights over islands and seas at any cost. Last year, more than 30 delegations composed of high-ranking officials across the world, visited Vietnam and expressed hope for long-term cooperation with the country for mutual benefits.

Reporter: How can we make the best of international integration?

President Sang:  First, I would like to say something about what happened in the past. When Vietnam joined the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA), many wondered it would encounter a lot of difficulties. But, in fact, Vietnam has proved to be well prepared to integrate internationally for the benefit of its long-term economic development. Vietnam’s economic slowdown is just attributed to the specific local conditions and weak management skills, not to its WTO membership.

The 11^th National Party Congress advocated economic restructuring and adjusted policies to achieve macroeconomic stability. I think success or failure depends on our internal strength. Each enterprise, locality, and ministry should gear up to provide fresh impetus to the process of international integration.  

Reporter: Do you think developing infrastructure, improving the quality of human resources, and pushing through institutional reform are the key to national development in general?

President Sang: The 11^th National Party Congress’ call for major breakthroughs has received positive responses from central agencies. But the important thing is more than means to an end.

After 25 years of Renewal, Vietnam has recorded major achievements in infrastructure improvement. The goals of modernisation and industrialisation demand additional upgrades. The national transport system must advance, especially in regards to road networks. A system of highways and seaports must be built. Average costs for a unit of goods at our ports are often double that of advanced countries. How can we compete? The pace of development must be accelerated and infrastructure perfected.

Special attention should be paid to helping businesses gain a leg up on international competition. It is not only them who are blamed for their weaknesses. The burden of responsibility also lies with leaders and managers who are slow at creating a favorable businesses environment and providing adequate human resources when need be.  

We have issued amendments and supplements to the 1992 Constitution before it is officially approved. It is also important to perfect the institutions of the socialist-oriented market economy. By 2015, trade liberalisation will be well underway with ASEAN as well as with China—a giant economy ranking second in the world. Complete liberalisation between Vietnam and other WTO members will occur in 2017–2018. Businesses will be treated fairly as per WTO commitments, and it is urgent to sharpen the competitive edge of each enterprise, locality and the economy as a whole. Both local and central leaders should improve their own capacity to ensure international integration for the success of national modernisation and industrialisation by 2020.

Reporter: Entering the New Year, do you have any message to the Vietnamese people?

President Sang: We have entered the third year of the 11^th Party Congress’ five-year plan. We are determined to restructure the economy and achieve macroeconomic stability for sustainable growth. We aim to transform Vietnam into a modern industrialised nation by 2020. Over the past two years, we have engaged in economic restructuring to ensure economic growth even though it is still lower than expected. So, we should improve the quality of economic restructuring in the coming stage. I wish good health, prosperity and happiness to all people and peace to the whole nation.