In the eyes of the world public, 2005 was a challenging year for Vietnam as it braced itself for natural calamities such as severe droughts and flooding, and the bird flu epidemic. But the extraordinary efforts and iron will of the Government and people to overcome difficulties have deeply impressed many foreign journalists.

The following is part one of the article written by Asso Prof, Dr Vu Van Hien General Director of Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) about the role of the media in the fight against “peaceful evolution” scheme by hostile forces.

The history of national construction and defence over the past thousands of years has seen many periods of glorious development, but never before has the country’s position and role been elevated like at present. The Doi Moi (Renewal) process in the past 20 years has resulted in tremendous and significant achievements, which have helped bring a new facelift to the country and greatly improve people’s physical and spiritual lives.

Prime Minister Phan Van Khai’s visit to the US was considered the most prominent event of Vietnam-US relations in 2005. For the first time, both countries released a joint declaration, defining the principles of bilateral relations based on constructive partnership, friendship, equality for mutual benefit and long-term stability.

2006 has come with much confidence and hope, and Vietnamese people have sufficient groundwork to believe that the country will cultivate new successes in various areas in the coming year.

2005 was considered another successful year for Vietnam’s economy. Despite domestic and global fluctuations, Vietnam secured a seven-year record growth rate of 8.4 percent with almost all major targets fulfilledsurpassed. These achievements will pave the way for the country to move forward in 2006 and the next five years.

After the Ordinance on Religions and Beliefs was approved by the National Assembly, the Prime Minister on March 1, 2005 issued a decree guiding the implementation of several articles of the ordinance. The Government Committee for Religious Affairs disseminated the ordinance and the decree and has helped localities implement it specifically.

Vietnam has made many great achievements in national construction and defence during its 20 years of renewal. People''s living standards have been much improved and the country has gained a higher position in the world. More importantly, however, the country has learned some important lessons, which will serve well the on-going national development process.

Vietnam has uncompromisingly combated corruption and the fight has progressed well. After each corruption case is brought to light, many ask why did that sector or that person become corrupt?

Over the past two years, the world market has been caught up in a swirling vortex of fluctuation in the prices of four major groups of commodities - steel, oil and petrochemical oil, gold and foreign exchange rates.