Vietnam’s top ten events in 2011

1. 11th National Party Congress ushers in a new period of national development

The 11th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) met from January 12-19 in Hanoi and adopted the Platform for National Construction during the Transitional Period towards Socialism (supplemented and developed in 2011), as well as the socio-economic development strategy for the 2011-2020 period.

It also approved the assessment of the five-year implementation of the 10th National Party Congress Resolution, and orientations and tasks for the 2011-15 period.

The Congress elected the Central Party Committee for the 11^th term with Nguyen Phu Trong a new Party General Secretary,. The 11th National Party Congress’ success has consolidated people’s confidence in the Party and the 11th Congress’s Resolution has been brought to life, opening up a new period of dynamic development in the country.

2. 13th National Assembly and People’s Council elections for the 2011-2016 tenure

On May 22, voters across the country went to the polls to elect deputies for the 2011-2016 tenure of the 13th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels. This was the first time the NA and People’s Council elections had been held on the same day and it was reported that voter turnout on Election Day reached 99 percent.

At the first session of the 13th National Assembly (NA), Truong Tan Sang was elected as State President, Nguyen Tan Dung was reelected as Government Prime Minister and Nguyen Sinh Hung as NA Chairman with an an overwhelming vote. This shows the voters’ high hopes and confidence in the new leadership that will steer the nation towards stronger development.

3. Vietnam actively promotes external affairs

Over the past year, Vietnam’s bilateral and multilateral foreign affairs have contributed to its deep international integration, demonstrating the country’s full participation in all aspects of global economic and political life.

Party, State, NA and Government leaders’ high-level visits around the globe have added fresh impetus to implementing many specific commitments. Vietnam also clarified its stance on a number of regional and international issues, including the East Sea situation, at important international conferences and forums.

4. Vietnam’s economy maintains growth despite difficulties

Despite the gloomy global economic outlook, Vietnam’s GDP growth was estimated at 6 percent in 2011, thanks to the great efforts of the Vietnamese Government. In the agricultural sector, the country’s total food output reached 41.5 million tonnes and rice exports hit a record high of 7 million tonnes.

The NA approved a resolution on the national land use plan until 2020 and the national land use plan until 2015,  under which 3.8 million hectares will be kept for rice cultivation by 2020 to ensure long-term food security in the face of a growing population, climate change and rising sea levels. Vietnam’s efforts in 2011 have won acclaim from international donors.

5. Restructuring the national economy

The third conference of the 11th Central Party Committee from October 6-10 approved important documents on the socio-economic situation, finances and State budget for 2011, 2012 and the 2011-2015 period. The conference underscored the need to restructure the national economy and renew the growth model.  In the next five years the focus will be on restructuring public investment, commercial banks and State owned enterprises (SoEs) including economic groups and State corporations.

6. Coping with climate change challenges

The central region and the Mekong River Delta were hit by flash floods in October and November, leaving dozens of people dead and missing and causing material losses of hundreds of billions of VND. The Vietnamese Government provided nearly VND500 billion and 1,300 tones of rice as humanitarian relief aid for stricken areas to help local people stabilize production.

Many organizations warn that Vietnam will be one of the top five countries in the world that will be most seriously affected by climate change.

7. More than 10,000 Vietnamese workers in Libya repatriated

On January 15, Benghazi city in Libya, where 10,400 Vietnamese workers were based, was shaken by riots and demonstrations against Muammar Gaddafi’s government.

The Vietnamese Government set up a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister,  Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem to evacuate Vietnamese workers from the areas of unrest. As many as 8,728 workers were brought home by air and another 1,000 more by sea.

Vietnam was the first nation to complete the repatriation of its guest workers from Libya.

8. Traffic accidents kill 11,000 every year

Despite the efforts of relevant agencies and numerous traffic solutions, thousands of Vietnamese families still suffer tragic traffic accidents due to lax State management of transport order and safety, poor transport infrastructure and road users defying the traffic laws.

The National Assembly set a yearly target to reduce the number of traffic-related casualties and deaths by 5-10 percent in 2012.

9. Tangible and intangible heritage honoured internationally

The Ho Dynasty Citadel and Hat Xoan (Xoan singing) were recognized by UNESCO as the World’s Cultural Heritage and Ha Long Bay was listed among the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World by the New Open World Organization. This international recognition highlights Vietnam’s cultural diversity, helping attract tourists and researchers and promoting the country’s image and encouraging international cross-cultural exchanges.

10.  SEA Games success  

Vietnam ranked third in the medal tally at the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia in November, winning a total of 288 medals, including 96 golds, 90 silvers and 101 bronzes, surpassing the set target of 70 gold medals by a considerable margin.

The biennial regional sports event proved the potential of Vietnamese athletes such as Hoang Quy Phuoc and Nguyen Thi Anh Vien.

However, the Vietnamese sports sector revealed limitations and weaknesses in training young athletes and a lack of investment in football.