Top ten domestic events in 2017 selected by VOV

Fifth and sixth plenary meetings of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (12th tenure)

The Party and State's strong determination in the fight against corruption and negative phenomena

In 2017, several serious and complicated economic and corruption cases were handled. They included the case of Ocean Bank involving Ha Van Tham and his 50 accomplices, the case of Chau Thi Thu Nga and her nine accomplices occurred at Housing Group, the dismissal of Dinh La Thang from the Politburo, and the suspension of the National Assembly deputy status, legal proceedings against and arrest of Thang, investigating wrongdoings relating to many leaders of Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, forcing organizations and individuals involved to bear responsibility before the law. The handling high-ranking officials, either incumbent or retired, showed that there is no ‘prohibited zone’ in the fight against corruption, and affirmed the determination of the whole political system and society to combat corruption and negative phenomena.

Fulfilling all 13 socio-economic targets set by the National Assembly

 For the first time in years, Vietnam completed and surpassed all 13 socio-economic targets set by the National Assembly as a result of macro-economic stability, controlled inflation, the State budget collection and major economic indicators meeting requirements, and GDP surging by 6.7%.

NA approval for building of North-South expressway

The National Assembly deputies passed an investment plan for the construction of the eastern North-South Expressway at the 14th parliament’s fourth session. With the approval of 83.1% of the deputies, some eastern sections of North-South Expressway with a total length of 654km will be built during the 2017-2020 period.

Successful organization of major celebrations

A wide range of activities have been held to mark the 70th anniversary of War Invalids' and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947 – 2017), the 100th anniversary of the Russian October Revolution, the 45th anniversary of the “Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory,  the 50th anniversary of Mau Than Offensive, the Vietnam-Lao Friendship Year and Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year.

Two more heritages honoured by UNESCO

UNESCO added Vietnam ‘Xoan’ singing in the northern Phu Tho Province and ‘Bai Choi” singing in the central region into the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. ‘Xoan’ singing was transferred from the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity thanks to great efforts to preserve this heritage over the last six years.

Successful year of Sports sector

Vietnamese athletes ranked third with 58 gold, 50 silver and 60 bronze medals at the 29 SEA Games. Weightlifter Le Van Cong became the top athlete with disability in the history of Vietnamese sports with a collection of gold medals at Paralympic, world, Asia and Southeast Asia tournaments.

Huge damage caused by flashfloods and storms from north to south

Storm Damrey – the strongest storm hitting Vietnam in years – caused serious human and economic losses. In 2017, Vietnam suffered 16 storms, leaving 375 dead and missing and 636 injured and causing damage worth nearly VND51.6 trillion.

Some BOT transport projects become hot issue

Shortcomings in some build-operate-transfer (BOT) transport projects attracted public attention, despite the fact that the policy of developing transport infrastructure in the BOT form is a right move and many BOT projects contributed to improving transport infrastructure and developing the economy in some localities.