This spring, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) turns 76 years old. We would like to express our gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, who founded the CPV, and to the Vietnamese worker class and Marxist-Leninism, which, supplemented the strength and intellect of the Party. The Party is the faithful lodestar and root of the strength and soul of the nation. During the past 76 years, the Vietnamese people have been faithful to the Party. National patriotism and determination to build socialism has constituted the invincible strength of the Vietnamese nation, which is determined to follow the Party and successfully implement the highest goal of the Vietnamese revolution in its historical mission.

The Party’s great stature is reflected in its loyalty to Marxist-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought – the most progressive thought of the era and nation. Though everything changes, the goal of national liberation, human emancipation from oppression and injustice, as well as honouring the real value of humankind, is the most persuasive appeal for millions of hearts and minds, from miserable workers to intellectuals. Marxist-Leninism was creatively absorbed in specific circumstances of Vietnam, in combination with the ardent patriotism of the Vietnamese people and cultural quintessence of the nation and humankind to constitute Ho Chi Minh Thought, leading the Vietnamese nation to national independence and socialism.

Thanks to Marxist-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, the CPV has been driving the boat of the Vietnamese revolution to overcome hardships and challenges to obtain victory after victory. Marxist-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought are not the only answers to our questions, but more importantly they serve as a lodestar for our actions. They raise, support and wake up the ability of endless creativeness in ourselves.

The invincible strength of the Party is nurtured and built up by diligent, intelligent, kind-hearted and courageous Vietnamese people. Since its inception, the Party has been close to the people and strived to sacrifice itself for national independence and freedom and people’s happiness. The glorious traditions and national cultural quintessence constitute the stature and intellect of the Party.

It is impossible to recall all the great sacrifice and sentiments of our fellow countrymen towards the Party. Since its infancy, Party organisations and its members were helped by the people. In each revolutionary period, the invincible strength of the great national unity bloc, through people’s revolutionary movements, has become the key element to realise the Party’s guidelines and policies.

It is also impossible to recall all the bright examples of millions of Party cadres and members who sacrificed themselves for the nation and people.

Therefore, for many years, the popular saying “The Party goes first, people will follow”, or “The will of the Party and the hearts of the people” have been materialised in specific action among Party cadres and members and the people, thereby becoming an important factor leading to the success of the revolution.

This spring marks 20 years since the Party initiated and carried out the Doi Moi (Renewal) process. During the past 20 years, the Party has played to its full strength its intellect and revolutionary conscience, developed the tradition of unity, fighting bad elements, and overcoming challenges to move the Renewal process forward.

To gain such fruits, the Party has maintained the goal of national independence and socialism, implemented the two strategic tasks of building and defending the nation and embarking on Marxist-Leninism, while combining the principle of steadfastness and revolutionary strategies with flexibility, creativity and sensitivity in grasping new things.

Today, Vietnam has maintained political stability, rapid socio-economic development, and national defence and security. All the targets set by the 9^th National Party Congress in 2001 have been translated in reality. People’s trust in the Party has been consolidated, while the Party’s prestige has been elevated.

In recent times, foreign specialists admitted that Vietnam has reaped successes in economics and development. Within 15 years, the annual income per capita has risen by fourfold from US$150 in the 1990s to US$600 at present. The poverty rate has also fallen significantly from 58 percent in 1993 to 20 percent in 2004. The country’s poverty reduction achievements have been recognised by the world community and become a bright example for other developing countries to follow.