At the 10^th National Party Congress in 2006, the Party has once again reiterated the goal of building Vietnam into a strong nation with a wealthy people and an equal, democratic and civilized society.

Experiencing difficulties and challenges caused by a long period of socio-economic crisis against the background of many ups and downs in the world economy as well as our subjective thinking and doings, Vietnam was still pursuing its noble goal with great confidence.

Comparative advantages and opportunities are the two important factors in the country’s successful development.

Furthermore, Vietnam’s successes on the path of building socialism and its renewal process, as well as its open policy with China, have encouraged many developing nations, particularly African and Latin American nations to surge ahead.

Experiences accumulated over the past more than 20 years have helped our nation change considerably from quantity to quality in 2006. The economic growth rate of 8.2 percent, the second highest in the world, is the eloquent testimony. The 8.2 percent growth in the GDP has a special significance as the year 2006 was the first year in the five year plan 2006-2010.

In 2006, Vietnam posted an export turnover of almost US$40 billion, accounting for 60 percent of the GDP – a two-fold increase against total economic growth. In 2006, foreign investment in the country stood at nearly US$10.2 billion. The poverty rate among poor households reduced to 19 percent from 22 percent in 2005, according to the new criteria, and some 1.6 million people were provided with jobs.

Vietnam’s achievements in the past 20 years, particularly those of last year, are the foundation for foreign donors to say “Vietnam is a safe port during stormy weather” following the terrorist event of September 11, 2001 in the USA.

This rapid and steady economic development constitutes a sound condition for socio-political stability and vice versa. As a result, people’s living conditions have improved sizably and national security and defence have further been consolidated. All these factors have contributed to raising our nation’s prestige and position internationally.

With correct understanding of world trends and the nation’s development needs, on the basis of the economic reform charted out in the renewal policy, the Vietnam Communist Party wants to expand its bilateral and multi-lateral economic co-operation with other countries while actively integrating into the global economy. And, as convincing proof, Vietnam has become the 150^th member of the World Trade Organization, a milestone in the nation’s renewal process and advance to socialism.

Participating in the world economy means that we have to cope with tough economic competition and presents us with both opportunities and challenges.

To be successful, we need high determination and support from the entire nation while maximizing the country’s potential and strengths.

We’re confident that with the lessons learned from the more than ten years of international integration and those taken from other countries, we will overcome any difficulties and challenges to take the country to a new stage of development.

Commenting on the current situation in Vietnam, the Korean Television station KBS has said, Vietnam has embarked on a new road after experiencing many hardships and challenges. Hanoi was at a crossing point. With its high head, Vietnam was joining the world people in their advance.

We have all the reasons to take pride in our nation. The spirit of 4,000 years of building and defending the homeland from different generations has given strengths to our people in the endeavor to defeat poverty, and backwardness on our advance.

With confidence, our people are happily and proudly entering the New Year.

May the New Year, the Year of the Pig, a big success for the Vietnamese nation.

by Prof., Dr. Vu Van Hien

Member of the Party Central Committee
VOV Director General