It is not by chance that US President George W. Bush called Vietnam a young tiger in Asia when he visited Vietnam last November. A New Year has begun and it is time for us to look back on Vietnam’s major achievements in 2006 – a year of bumper harvest figuratively and literally.

Generally speaking, we have sown seeds, coped with erratic weather and reaped the best crops in more than 20 years. 2006 was a successful year for Vietnam as the country was admitted to the World Trade Organisation as the 150^th member, marking its full integration into the world economy. The US Congress’ approval of permanent normal trade relations with Vietnam and the country’s successful organisation of the 14^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting helped elevate Vietnam’s position and prestige in the international arena.

For the first time, Vietnam attracted US$10.2 billion worth of foreign direct investment in 2006, a record figure since 1987. Foreign donors at the recent Consultative Group Meeting pledged US$4.45 billion in official development assistance capital for the country – another record figure for a developing country like Vietnam.

The country’s export value in 2006 also hit a record high of nearly US$40 billion. Notably, both crude oil and garment exports surpassed the US$5 billion mark. Proudly, Vietnam’s industrial products and traditional handicrafts are now available in almost all regional and global markets. In 2006, the establishment of the Vietnam Coal and Mining Industry Group, the Vietnam Garment and Textile Group, the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group, the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group, and the Electricity of Vietnam Group and the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group became competitive allies and are to drive the national economy in 2007.

2006 also marked the development of the fledging stock market as its total share value made up 15 percent of the country’s GDP in 2005. Such a rapid growth of the market helped Vietnam attract indirect investment capital and stimulate the national economy.

However, 2006 also experienced natural disasters and the recurrence of the bird flu epidemic. Typhoon Chanchu sank 19 fishing boats and left 270 fishermen dead and missing. While sweeping across the central region, Typhoon Xangsane killed 71 people, injured more than 500 others and caused a total property loss of more than VND10 trillion. In December, more than 90 people were reportedly dead and missing and 48,000 houses collapsed when Typhoon Durian struck Vietnam, causing a total property loss of more than VND7.2 trillion.

The foot-and-mouth disease, the brown-backed hopper and grassy stunned viruses, prolonged drought in many cities and provinces, and the recent recurrence of bird flu in several Mekong Delta provinces caused serious losses to the husbandry and agricultural sectors affecting millions of farmers.

Corruption, power abuse, red-tape, and the endemic disease of “achievements” in education wormed their ways into all aspects of life from economics and social affairs to the State management system. Notorious cases included the graft scandal at the Transport Ministry’s Project Management Unit 18 (PMU 18), illegal sales of land in Do Son town of Hai Phong City and disorders in graduation examinations in Ha Tay province. They are hurdles slowing down the country’s development process. Those who love this motherland understand that we must struggle and pay a price for these wrong doings. In fact, we only paid a price during the wartime, but not during the peacetime.

The year 2007 has begun with a new dawn breaking and ahead of us lies a long and wide road. There is no way a nation which has transformed itself and experienced many ups and downs over the past 20 years will baulk at setting foot on this long-awaited road despite difficulties and challenges ahead. In high spirits we will come into an equal and civilised world where we are entitled to say “Yes” or “No” in the fair climate of economic and trade relations at the beginning of a new prosperous era. 

Phi Thuy