1. GRASSROOTS-LEVEL PARTY CONGRESSES SUCCESSFULLY HELD
All grassroots-level Party congresses for the 2020-2025 tenure were successfully held across the country this year in the lead up to the upcoming National Party Congress which is due to take place in late January, 2021.
It is noteworthy that a significant proportion of newly-elected members of Party committees are women, ethnic minorities, and young people, with the figure higher than the previous term. Indeed, up to 43% of the new leaders of the Provincial and Municipal Party Committee were born in 1970s.
2. THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK SUCCESSFULLY BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL
Vietnam has effectively contained the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the community this year thanks to the Party’s instructions coupled with the Government’s drastic measures. These efforts involved the engagement of the entire political system, along with the consensus and strong determination of the country’s citizens.
The country has been described as an exemplary role model for many others on how to contain the disease with the highest level of efficiency and a low cost.
3. FULFILLING ITS ROLE AS THE ASEAN CHAIR, AIPA CHAIR, AND UNSC MEMBER
Upholding the spirit of cohesion and proactive responsiveness, Vietnam, in its role as ASEAN Chair, has worked closely with other ASEAN member states to effectively respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has thereby consolidated the regional bloc’s centrality and boosted its prestige regionally and globally.
One of the main successes of the ASEAN Year 2020 is that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest free trade agreement (FTA), has been signed.
ASEAN countries have also reached a consensus on upholding international law, maintaining peace in the East Sea, and settling disputes through diplomatic and dialogue channels.
Vietnam has also accomplished its obligation as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Indeed, during its presidency in January the UNSC adopted a record number of documents, including 13 decisions, one Chairman’s statement, five press statements. and a further two press releases.
4. ACHIEVING POSITIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH DESPITE COVID-19
Vietnam is one of the few countries in the world to enjoy positive economic growth, despite the negative impact of COVID-19. Indeed, the national economy is expected to grow by approximately 3% this year, with GDP per capita estimated to be at US$2,750.
Most notably, the country has successfully maintained its macro-economic stability, kept inflation at a low level, and improved major economic balances. It has also enjoyed a trade surplus of US$17 billion, a record high figure, while being able to maintain foreign reserves at US$100 billion.
5. INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC INTERGRATION ENHANCED THROUGH FTAS
The enforcement of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) from August 1 has presented plenty of opportunities for Vietnamese commodities to make inroads into the EU market.
In addition to the implementation of the EVFTA, Vietnam has inked the RCEP with 14 other signatories, thereby creating the world’s largest free trade market of over 2.2 billion consumers, equivalent to US$26,200 billion.
Once in effect, these FTAs are set to generate a huge boost to Vietnamese exports, serving to diversify markets and export products, especially agricultural and aquatic items, as well as other products that the nation enjoys advantages in.
6. MAJOR NATIONAL ANNIVERSARIES CELEBRATED
This year has seen the country orgainse many important political events, including the 90th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (Feb. 3), the 90th anniversary of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (Nov. 18), the 130th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19), the 75th anniversary of the August 1945 Revolution (Aug. 19), and National Day (Sept. 2), and the 45th anniversary of the southern liberation and national reunification (Apr. 30).
These activities have boosted the spirit of solidarity, national pride, and self-reliance, building up people’s confidence in the cause of implementing the Doi Moi (Renewal) and international integration process in line with the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
7. MARKED ACHIEVEMENTS IN PARTY BUILDING AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
Throughout the year the Party building and rectification drive has obtained plenty of positive changes, helping to enhance the Party organisations’ leadership capacity and combativeness. Positive results have also been enjoyed in the fight against corruption, affirming the Party and State’s determination to root out corruption “without restricted zones and without exceptions”.
Authorities have also brought to court many notorious graft cases which have caused serious economic losses. These trials contribute to maintaining political stability and socio-economic development, thereby strengthening the confidence of ranking officials, Party members, and the people in the Party and State.
8. NEW PROGESS IN CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
The country has increasingly affirmed the role of culture as a driving force, a goal, the strength, and the spiritual foundation of society. Ministries, sectors, and localities have therefore organised events to honour, preserve, and promote traditional Vietnamese cultural values.
This year can be considered a period of national digital transformation with the Government, ministries, sectors, and businesses moving to deploy information technology infrastructure, platforms, products, and services, in an effort to make the most of advanced technologies such as big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
9. POLITICAL STABILITY, NATIONAL DEFENCE, AND SECURITY MAINTAINED
In 2020 Vietnam has kept socio-political stability, national defence, and security despite geopolitical changes throughout the region and the world. Armed forces have gradually been modernised to be capable of defending national sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Fatherland.
Furthermore, the country has been rational in addressing complicated developments in the East Sea. It has also effectively prevented and defeated traditional and non-traditional security threats, as well as social crimes.
10. NATURAL DISASTERS RESULTING IN SERIOUS LOSSES
Vietnam has endured plenty of natural disasters this year, including spells of heavy rain and drought in central, Central Highland, and southern regions. Most notably, subsequent storms pounded the central region throughout October and November, triggering the worst floods and landslides over the past 100 years, leaving approximately 200 people dead and causing economic losses of roughly VND30,000 billion.
In upholding the spirit of the haves assisting the have-nots, Vietnamese people, regardless of their status and place of residence, have united in support of needy people in affected areas.
