Reporter: In 2009, we came up with effective solutions to minimise the impact of the global economic downturn and maintain the country’s economic growth. What is your assessment of last year’s achievements?

Mr Triet: The global economic and financial crisis continues to have a strong impact on all countries and territories, and Vietnam has also been affected. However, thanks to great efforts by the Party and people, we have gradually ironed out snags and reached a GDP growth rate of 5.32 percent. This is an encouraging result.

Overcoming obstacles and challenges has enabled us to gain experience and self-confidence for the national development ahead.

This year, we will celebrate many significant events: the 65^th anniversary of national independence, the 1000^th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, the 65^th anniversary of the August Revolution, the 35^th anniversary of total liberation of southern Vietnam and the 120^th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh. The 11^th National Party Congress will also take place this year.

Reporter: What factors helped us reach the DGP growth rate you mentioned?

Mr Triet: There are many factors contributing to the country’s success. First, it is due to the solidarity and concerted efforts by the Party and people. Second, Party and State policies and guidelines are in line with people’s aspirations and the country’s specific conditions and situations. Another factor is the country’s strong agricultural sector. Also we have received great support from international friends.

Reporter: What have the Party and State done to fulfill targets for 2010?

Mr Triet: The Party and State have devised progammes and plans to fulfill all the set targets for 2010 with a focus on reinforcing the great national unity bloc- a matter of prime importance in any period of national development.

Every sector and every citizen should redouble their efforts to do their tasks efficiently. And it is imperative that we should continue to cushion ourselves against the global economic crisis by stimulating the national economy and boosting national pride.

The National Assembly has set economic targets for 2010 including a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent. This GDP target ought to create momentum for growth in the following years and help us return to the normal growth rate we were enjoying before the global economic downturn. We are determined to ensure a rapid and sustainable economic growth. I sincere hope we will fulfill all the set targets.

Reporter:  What is your assessment of administrative reform and anti-corruption efforts?

Mr Triet: Administrative reform and anti-corruption efforts are issues of major concern to everyone.  Over the years, good initial results have been obtained in administrative reform. By reforming institutions and economic and organizational laws, State operations have been brought more into line with current laws and international practices. Organisational structure, functions and tasks of State administrative agencies at all levels have been modified to create a more open and transparent administration.

The Vietnamese people bravely sacrificed their lives for the revolution and the nation. Why are corruption and negative behaviour still on the rampage?  The answer, I believe, is poor administrative management. Corruptive and negative behaviour is considered a disease of the entire administration and a challenge to socio-economic development. It often spread from disgruntled civil servants or State employees who want to fish in troubled waters. Administrative reform is the key to effective anti-corruption efforts. Good administrative reform is an effective means of corruption prevention and control, and effective anti-corruption measures will aid administrative reform. So, we should continue to consolidate administration and combat corruption.

Reporter:  What opinion can you share on Vietnam’s current role, status and prestige in the world?

Mr Triet: Last year, senior Party and State leaders engaged in external relations activities through overseas visits. Generally, foreign leaders and international organisations praised Vietnam’s role, status, prestige as well as its positive development over the past years and wished to boost cooperation with Vietnam. Issues raised by Vietnam received a high consensus from foreign leaders, creating favorable conditions for Vietnam to strengthen cooperation with other countries. Vietnam’s increasing role, status and prestige in the international arena are an important success. We are proud of being Vietnamese and proud of our Party. This pride will help us further the national construction process towards the socialist goal of a prosperous people, a strong country, and a just, democratic and civilized society.

The Party and State policy is to diversify and international relations. Vietnam wants to befriend and become a reliable cooperative partner with all countries, regions and international organisations. We must be self-confident but always vigilant. Vietnam’s growing strength and widening circle of friends will narrow subversive operations.  We need to intensify propaganda activities to clarify the Party and State’s policies and guidelines for those who don’t have a proper understanding of Vietnam or whose minds are clouded by distorted information.

Reporter: In what respect are International organisations most impressed by Vietnam? What do they think about Vietnam’s path to socialism?

Mr Triet: They see Vietnam as a resilient and courageous nation, which set a bright example by its struggle for national liberation. Lately, they have been deeply impressed by Vietnam’s economic growth and its blossoming friendship with other countries in the world.

During talks with Spanish members of parliament on my visit last December, I affirmed Vietnam’s determination to advance towards socialism and I also explained to them what socialism is. Socialism means a society without the exploitation of man by man where everyone is equal and united and enjoys a happy and prosperous life. They praised Vietnam’s efforts to create such an ideal society.

I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Party and State, to extend my sincere thanks to the people, to solider throughout the country, and to overseas Vietnamese for keeping up the momentum of economic growth and gaining achievements in internal and external relations. I hope all of us will continue strive for unity and place a strong confidence in the Party’s leadership and the future of national development.