Symbol of charm and success

With major national anniversaries in 2005, Vietnam was considered a destination for international journalists. During a trip to Vietnam in October, correspondent Anhed Samosa and his colleagues shot a documentary “Vietnam takes off from the ashes of war”, which was televised in Montray city – the largest industrial centre in north Mexico.
With enthusiastic expressions such as “Extraordinary efforts bring about majestic changes”, “Vietnam’s economy grows spectacularly”, and “Vietnam – a new dragon in Asia”, Samosa drew a vivid and colourful picture of a country taking off. He said he was surprised at Vietnam’s drastic changes. He said while in Vietnam he felt the bustling atmosphere of a country well on course of international integration - a country where local people are bringing into full play their strengths and creativity to develop a socialist-oriented market economy. He said the people’s industriousness, eagerness, and optimism were based on their confidence in the Party and State policies on national development.

“President Ho Chi Minh’s nation celebrates Independence Day” was the title of an article published in Monitor newspaper of Bulgaria to mark the 60^th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day. The newspaper said 30 years after national reunification in 1975, the war-torn country has obtained tremendous achievements, with an annual GDP growth rate of 7.5 percent, ranking it second in Asia, while ensuring political stability and expanded external relations. Notably, the country normalised diplomatic relations with the US, and bilateral trade in 2004 reached US$6.5 billion. Vietnam also attracted more than US$40 billion worth of foreign investment capital in the past three decades.

Dr Xubat Kapila, an Indian analyst, praised Vietnam for its elevated image in an article to mark its 60^th anniversary. He said that the iron will and determination of the Vietnamese people in the past two resistance wars were demonstrated again in implementing the current tasks of national development and construction and hunger and poverty reduction. According to the expert, Vietnam will make further strides on the path to development thanks to its heroic spirit, aggregate strength, indomitable and iron will and perseverance as a peace-loving nation.

Vietnam’s tourism seems to be an endless topic for many foreign newspapers, which gave a wide coverage to the country’s tourism events in 2004. Hong Kong’s Shangbao newspaper reported that the World Tourism Organisation selected Vietnam among the top 10 tourist destinations in the next 10 years. It also discussed negotiations and the signing of a contract to build a five-star hotel in Vietnam by major world hotellier groups.

US Forbes magazine reported that a Vietnamese beach was listed among the six most graceful beaches in the world.

In an article, Indonesia’s Tempo newspaper described the twice-recognised World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay in the north-eastern province of Quang Ninh as a paradise, while Thailand’s Bangkok Post explored the beauty of the ancient town of Hoi An in central Da Nang city.

France’s Forum newspaper reported that the number of foreign visitors to Vietnam has increased significantly, from 2.4 million in 2003, to 2.9 million in 2004 and 3.2 million in 2005.

In an article published in the US National Geography Magazine, David Lem, a senior correspondent of the Los Angeles Times described Hanoi as a capital full of optimism, energy and tranquil beauty. The beauty of the capital city with age-old mossy walls, winding lanes and green trees also fascinated Valeria Thorinca from Young Africa magazine.

Tracing the spiritual roots

Many foreign correspondents not only covered Vietnam’s efforts and achievements, but also looked for elaboration on its successes.

Thailand’s Phuchatcan newspaper said that Vietnam has great potential and opportunity for development for it has political stability, consistent management policies, diligent and intelligent people, and abundant natural resources.

Bulgaria’s Monitor newspaper said that what built up Vietnam’s majesty is not the gloss, but the plain beauty and righteousness in the souls of Vietnamese people.

Mexico’s Sun newspaper shared the view, saying that under the policy of “breaking with the past and looking towards the future”, Vietnam once again set a bright example in terms of its tolerance, new vision and determination to build a prosperous country. The newspaper said despite global complications, Ho Chi Minh Thought continues to shine as a lodestar for Vietnam’s revolutionary boat.

It is not by chance that the New Germany newspaper and L’Humanite newspaper of France also highlighted President Ho Chi Minh’s great role in Vietnam’s revolutionary cause. 

Voice of America in its October 19, 2005 broadcast reported that Vietnam’s successes lie in the lofty ideals of ordinary people like war martyrs Dang Thuy Tram and Nguyen Van Thac.

In its broadcast on August 21, 2005, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said that national reconciliation and ethnic harmony helped create the country’s successes. The programme quoted Kate Gelema, a religious researcher in Vietnam, as saying religious activities in Vietnam have been revived across the country. Visitors to Vietnam can see the upgrades to and building of pagodas, temples and other worship places. She also noted that the Government’s religious policy has helped consolidate the great national unity bloc. 

Meanwhile, Asia Week magazine highlighted a sharp increase in the number of overseas Vietnamese returning to the homeland. After a visit to Vietnam, a magazine reporter said that the Vietnamese Government’s national reconciliation policy has resulted in a high number of overseas Vietnamese returning to set up businesses and begin new lives.

Whatever it is, all foreign journalists showed their admiration for Vietnam. Mexico’s Sun Xacatecat newspaper affirmed: “There is no denying that heroic Vietnamese people are steadily moving ahead, like very few nations that can take off from the ashes of the most brutal war of the 20^th century.”

Thailand’s Phuchatcan newspaper concluded that Vietnamese people, with their ardent patriotism and courageous spirit, successfully carried out the national and democratic revolution by defeating French and American aggressors. These triumphs, together with the bravery and courage of the Vietnamese nation, should be written down in history of humankind’s struggle for independence and freedom. Vietnam is now viewed as a country which maintains a high economic growth, and Vietnamese people can hold their heads high in international forums.

Mai Chi