Top ten domestic events in 2012

1. A Party resolution on criticism and self-criticism was carefully studied by all Party organisations, becoming a widespread political activity and delivering practical results

The Party says its members’ criticism and self-criticism must be undertaken frequently and comprehensively as it informs the destiny of the Party and regime.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has noted that once the Party is aware of its wrongdoings, and determines to retify them, the renewed trust it will have earned can only strengthen its leadership.

2. The National Assembly discussed and approved key issues at its year-end session

Lawmakers debated amendments to the 1992 Constitution and the Land Law, endorsed a resolution on confidence votes for both elected positions and positions by the appointment of the National Assembly and local People’s Councils.

Group debates were broadcast live through the national radio and television channels, capturing the attention of domestic and international audiences.

3. Economy grew by 5 percent, infaltion was kept below 7 percent.

These positive results testified to the entire Party, people and the army’s extraordinary efforts, especially considering the challenges posed by national economic weaknesses, natural disasters, climate change, and the global economic recession.

Restructuring measures have been deployed to address the problems of State-onwed enteprrises, the financial/banking market, and public investments.

Agricultural production defied the negative trends of the industrial sector, developing and helping to maintain socio-economic stability. Total annual food output reached nearly 44 million tonnes, and agro-forestry and fishery exports hit US$25 billion, with rice, coffee and pepper exports taking lead in the world.

4. Protecting sea sovereignty remains a major public concern

Vietnam has always defended its national sovereignty and territorial integrety, and adopted a consistent stance towards settling all related disputes on the basis of historical facts and intermational law via peaceful negotiations. Maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world is paramount.

Both domestic and foreign scholars, even ordinary people, including Vietnamese nationals residing abroad, supplied historical evidence, confirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.  

5. Exchange activities promoted Vietnam-Laos, and Vietnam-Cambodia relations during the friendship year.

Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia hosted a variety of activities to demonstrate solidarity and friendship, and the strong resolve to build their wealthy and prosperous countries, for peace, stability and development in Indochina.

These initiatives included a series of high-level visits, economic and trade cooperation, as well as people-to-people, cutural and sport  exchanges.

 6. The National Traffic Safety Year results in improvements

The Prime Minister announced the National Traffic Safety Year on Radio the Voice of Vietnam. Campaigns were launched to help raise public awareness of traffic laws. As a result, the number of traffic accidents declined 17 percent, traffic fatalities fell by 14 percent, and injuries were down 20 percent.

Traffic accidents are still a major public concern. They cause unnecessary, tragic death and can leave behind devastating long-term  consequences in the lives of victims and their community

7. Many key national projects were completed

The Son La hydro-electric power plant, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, was inaugurated after cosntruction lasting seven years. The project, designed and built by Vietnamese engineers and workers, was completed three years ahead of schedule, saving the nation more than VND40 trillion.

Satellite VINASAT-2 was successfully launched into orbit, affirming Vietnam’s territorial sovereignty over space. The country also built a National Space Centre at Hoa Lac hi-tech park in Hanoi.

8. Three important socio-political organisations held national congresses

2012 witnessed the 11th National Women’s Congress, 10th Youth Union Congress, and 5th War Veterans Congress. Delegates representing the three organisations reiterated their unwavering faith in the Party’s leadership and the road to socialism, and vowed to unite in the building of a prosperous Vietnamese nation.

9. UNESCO honoured Hung Kings Veneration Ritual and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda’s woodblock

UNESCO officially recognised the Hung Kings Veneration Ritual as the World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda’s woodblocks as part of the world’s Asian-Pacific documentary heritage. 

The recognition promoted the distinctive values of Vietnamese culture, and demands measures to preserve the tangible and intangible heritage of mankind.

10.  Vietnam tasted bitterness at 2012’s London Olympics and AFF Suzuki Cup

Vietnam failed to win any medals at the world’s largest sporting event in London in July despite the considerable investment in preparing for the event. The national football squad were also outclassed in the group matches of the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

Much more needs to be done to advance Vietnam’s standing in the regional and international sporting arenas.