2005 was considered a ‘bumper harvest’ in terms of the achievements in all areas for Vietnam. The country continued to maintain stability and steadily advance on the development path. It secured a seven-year record GDP growth rate of 8.4 percent, while export turnover grossed approximately US$32 billion – another record figure in the country’s foreign trade activities. Its GDP per capita rose to US$600, marking a significant leap compared to several years ago, although it is still lower than in other regional countries.  

During the year, Vietnam was confronted with numerous difficulties and challenges, from the recurrence of bird flu, for which the Government intended to cull all stocks of poultry and waterfowl numbering hundreds of millions, to natural calamities such as the tropical storm Damrey in the northern region, flash floods in northern Yen Bai province and flooding in the central region, causing great human and material losses. Despite these difficulties, Vietnam steadily moved forward and generated new triumphs during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process.

Vietnam’s success in poverty reduction has been acknowledged by the international community, and was considered a bright example for other poor countries to follow suit. Notably, poor people now can lead stable lives on their own, instead of receiving aid as in previous years.

There are more and more achievements not mentioned in this story, but they have been all attributed to the industriousness of workers in different sectors under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

2006 will be marked by the 10th National Party Congress, which will identify orientations and tasks for Vietnam in the next five years, alongside other important events. With the achievements obtained in 2005 and the country’s increased strength and position, as well as determination from the entire nation, we have sufficient groundwork to believe that 2006 will be another triumph year for Vietnam.

Tran Quang