Vietnam’s top ten events in 2009

Below are Vietnam’s top ten events in 2009 selected by VOV:

1. Vietnam overcomes the economic crisis

Despite the global economic crisis, natural disasters and epidemic diseases, Vietnam ironed out snags to reestablish economic growth, stabilize macro-economy and reach a GDP growth rate level of 5.2 percent in 2009.

2. Vietnam and China complete land border demarcation

The historic demarcation ended 35 years of negotiations between the two countries and will create a basis for peace and friendship along the 1,400-kilometre borderline in particular and between the two countries in general.

3. Vietnam fulfills its mission at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

Vietnam successfully completed its two-year (2008-2009 ) term as a non-permanent member and its role as the president of the UNSC in July and October, 2009. This was considered not only Vietnam’s contribution to world peace and security but a historic milestone in Vietnam’s integration into the world.

4. Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) successfully concludes its seventh National Congress 

This was the first national congress held from the grassroots to the national level. It demonstrated the party’s consistent policy on national solidarity through the VFF’s supervision and social criticism. The congress also appealed to people and soldiers from all over the country as well as overseas Vietnamese to respond to the emulation campaign for the country’s major celebrations in 2010.

5. Vietnam holds first Congress of Overseas Vietnamese in Hanoi

The congress, entitled “for a united community, which will contribute to building up the country”, was held in Hanoi in November 2009 with the participation of over 1000 domestic and overseas people. The congress is a chance for overseas Vietnamese to contribute to the cause of construction and development.

6- International community committed to providing more than US$8 billion in ODA

Foreign donors have pledged to provide over US$8 billion in official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam in 2010, a record high for 16 years. Of the figure, more than US$1.4 billion will be non-refundable aid, while the remaining US$6.6 billion will be preferential loans. Since Vietnam received ODA for the first time in 2003, the country has been given over US$55.5 billion. This has shown foreign donors’ strong support for Vietnam’s desire to develop, as well as its renovation policies.

7. Dung Quat oil refinery becomes operational; Lai Chau hydro-electric power plant and NinhThuan nuclear power plants receive green light

Dung Quat Oil Refinery in the central province of Quang Ngai has successfully produced its first petrol made from Vietnamese crude oil, marking a turning point for the country’s petrol-chemical industry.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has approved a project to build a hydro-electric power plant in the north-western province of Lai Chau and two nuclear power plants in the central coastal province of Ninh Thuan.

The hydro-electric power plant will be built in Nam Hang commune, Muong Te district in late 2010 at an estimated cost of VND32,600 billion. It will be completed by 2017 and have an output of 1,200MW.

Under the nuclear power project, one nuclear power plant will be built in Phuoc Dinh commune, Thuan Nam district and the other in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district. Construction of the first plant will start in 2014 and is expected to be completed by 2020. The time for construction of the second plant has not been fixed. The two plants which have two turbines each will produce a total of 4,000MW.

8. Vietnam raises its sporting profiles

Vietnam successfully hosted the third Asian Indoor Games (AIG 3) for the first time. It came second at the Games winning 42 gold medals.

The country also came second at the 25^th Southeast Asian Games in Laos taking home 83 gold medals.

This shows that sports in Vietnam has progressed and increased its competitiveness in international events.

9. Quan Ho folk singing and Ca Tru ceremonial songs recognised as world intangible cultural heritages

Quan Ho folk singing and Ca Tru ceremonial songs were recognised as world cultural intangible heritages in 2009 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organsation (UNESCO).

UNESCO highly values Vietnam’s cultural identities, especially local customs, arts and the country’s traditional costumes. Quan Ho folk singing and Ca Tru ceremonial songs have added more colour to the cultural view of Vietnam.

10. Natural disasters and epidemics occur frequently

Three strong typhoons hit the central and the Central Highland regions this year with 298 dead or missing as well as losses of up to more than VND19 trillion.

In addition, A/H1N1 flu, acute diarrhea and dengue fever re-appeared and spread rapidly nationwide, infecting more than 11,000 people and recording 51 fatalities.