"On April 30 this year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification. This is a special milestone marking half a century - a long enough journey to look back and assess where we are and what we have achieved," said Mr. Trinh Xuan An, a full-time National Assembly delegate at the National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, in an interview with Dan Tri newspaper .

Editor's note: 50 years ago, the Vietnamese people wrote a glorious and brilliant page of history with the great victory of Spring 1975. It was a triumph of patriotism, indomitable will, aspiration for independence and national unification, and a united country.

Half a century has passed, the country has continuously grown strongly, from the ashes of war to great strides on the world map.

To better depict these miracles, Dan Tri newspaper respectfully presents to our readers a series of articles about the country's achievements over the past 50 years, to look back on the past journey, pay tribute to the great contributions and arouse the nation's strong aspirations for the journey ahead.

The year 2025 recalls the event exactly half a century ago when Vietnam was reunified, North and South reunited (April 30, 1975). Looking back on the past 50 years, what important achievements and changes in the country would you like to mention?

- The country has been under one roof for 50 years, but to have a truly peaceful and stable environment, perhaps it will only take about 30 years - from 1990 onwards, when the country has been quiet and has a peaceful environment for development.

Looking back at the historical journey, especially the period after the 1986 renovation, Vietnam has transformed dramatically with miraculous changes of a country and a nation that was heavily devastated by war.

We have had a long period of economic growth with innovation policies, with changes in thinking, in socio-economic management, and with innovation in the Party's leadership methods.

Vietnam emerged from the war in ruins, rising from a negative number, not just starting from zero, but we have achieved many proud, even miraculous achievements.

The first result proving this statement is economic growth, there were times when Vietnam's growth was among the top in the world, people's lives were completely changed.

From a poor country with a high poverty rate due to siege and embargo, Vietnam now controls food security, exports rice and many essential goods, thereby ensuring social security and people's lives. It can be said that Vietnam has escaped poverty and entered the stage of getting rich.

Another important thing is that we always maintain the regime, maintain the Party's leadership and maintain the political system.

Vietnam's position in the international arena has also been increasingly enhanced. From being a country under siege, embargo, and isolation, our country has now become a bright spot in diplomacy with the region and the world.

To date, Vietnam has established comprehensive strategic partnerships with 12 countries around the world; signed 17 bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements (FTAs). Vietnam is also an active and responsible member of the international community.

In particular, another result that cannot be ignored is that our legal and institutional systems are being built more and more systematically, fully, synchronously and uniformly.

After the country was reunified, it took us a long time to shape, explore and perfect the institutions. Based on the 2013 Constitution, we have made important breakthroughs and marks in institution building, especially in building a socialist-oriented market economy, creating the foundation for building a rule-of-law state, building a sustainable economic development, and creating momentum to enter a new stage.

Looking back on the 50-year journey since the country's reunification and nearly 40 years of renovation, I have many emotions when witnessing a strong, resilient country constantly rising up, overcoming all difficulties and challenges and taking advantage of every opportunity to grow.

The past 50 years have not been a smooth sailing period, but have had many obstacles and challenges, even difficult periods that seemed impossible to overcome, but in the midst of difficulties, our country has become more resilient and stronger, overcoming all challenges to have the foundation, potential, position and international prestige as it is today.

That is proof of the image of a brave, resilient Vietnam, aspiring to become a powerful, self-reliant nation.

As an elected representative with many opportunities to access Government reports on the socio-economic situation, what are your impressions of the achievements in economic development in recent years, especially during the period when the country had to face unprecedented difficulties such as the Covid-19 pandemic or the historic typhoon Yagi?

- Unprecedented difficulties and challenges have probably been present in the past period of the 15th National Assembly. This is a very special period, but it is also a time that clearly demonstrates the qualities and mettle of the Vietnamese people. That is, in the midst of difficulties, we will gain more strength and mettle.

Over the past 5 years, we have faced many contemporary obstacles such as the Covid-19 pandemic or historic natural disasters, in addition to many other unstable factors from the regional and global context.

Typically, Covid-19 is a huge pandemic, and every time it is mentioned, the whole world expresses admiration for Vietnam. During that difficult period, we were considered by many countries and world organizations as a "bright star", a "model" in pandemic prevention and economic development.

In the period of 2020-2023, the world economic and political situation has many complicated fluctuations, along with the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change, seriously affecting the economic growth of all countries. However, Vietnam's growth still has many positive points compared to many economies in the world.

According to the General Statistics Office, GDP in 2020 reached 2.91% with a scale of more than 268 billion USD. This is the lowest growth rate in the 10 years from 2011 to 2020, but it is among the highest growth rates in the world in a challenging context. In 2021, Vietnam's economy achieved a GDP growth rate of 2.58%, 0.33% lower than in 2021.

In 2022, with the promulgation of many appropriate policies, especially implementing the policy of "both fighting the epidemic and restoring production and business, achieving dual goals", Vietnam's economy has had a spectacular recovery, with GDP reaching 8.02% compared to 2021, reaching the highest growth rate in the period 2011-2022.

Besides, we still ensure to maintain the stability of the macro economy and control inflation well. Vietnam still attracts good foreign investment and is a destination for international investors.

Domestically, we have achieved the noble goals of ensuring social security, carrying out digital transformation, and modernizing national governance.

In particular, during the pandemic period, implementing Resolution No. 43 of the National Assembly on fiscal and monetary policies to support the socio-economic recovery and development program, we have mobilized unprecedented resources of nearly 400,000 billion VND.

The context at that time was difficult on all sides when the economy was affected from many sides, the production and supply chains were broken, production activities were stagnant and it took a long time to restore production and business activities. Therefore, the resource of nearly 400,000 billion VND set aside to restore production activities and take care of social security was very meaningful.

At the same time, the whole country completed a huge amount of infrastructure work, especially traffic infrastructure with a series of expressways, which changed the face of the country and created great momentum for its development.

In addition to the impressive economic development factor, people's confidence and happiness index in human, social, cultural and educational aspects have all been improved.

Those things show that in times of difficulty, we have more motivation to rise up, like the compression of a spring. Those are things to be very proud of.

So from the National Assembly's side, how do you feel about the changes in the activities of elected bodies in recent times, especially during the 15th National Assembly term with many unprecedented developments?

- The activities of the National Assembly and the State apparatus in the recent period, especially the 15th term, brought about many emotions.

The National Assembly has not stood outside the context and situation of the country. As the representative body of the people's voice, the National Assembly has been in tune with life and fulfilled its role well.

Inheriting the achievements of the previous term, the 15th National Assembly is placed in a context with many very special factors.

The National Assembly has had strong, drastic and flexible changes, demonstrating the image of an active National Assembly, close to the people, for the people and for development.

This is demonstrated through a series of decisions of the National Assembly in legislative activities, supervision or deciding on important issues of the country.

There is much to say, but the first thing to affirm is that the National Assembly has been very proactive and flexible in its management.

The National Assembly has accompanied the Government in legislative and supervisory activities to work towards the goal of development and to handle difficulties and problems arising in practical life.

For example, Resolution 30 passed by the 15th National Assembly at its first session resolved many specific mechanisms to meet urgent requirements for preventing the Covid-19 pandemic...

This is an unprecedented legislative initiative, creating a solid legal foundation at the urgent time when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out so that the National Assembly Standing Committee, the Government, the Prime Minister, ministries, branches, and local authorities can proactively implement creative, flexible, rapid, and effective policies in leading, directing, and organizing the implementation of disease prevention and control measures as in a state of emergency.

Or Resolution 43 of the National Assembly on fiscal and monetary policies to support the Socio-Economic Recovery and Development Program also has special significance when it allows the use of a huge resource with many unprecedented policies to ensure social security, maintain macroeconomic stability and contribute to supporting people and businesses to soon overcome difficulties, recover and develop the socio-economy after the pandemic.

These important decisions, if not quickly approved by the National Assembly, will be ineffective and many opportunities will be lost.

The flexibility in the operation of the National Assembly is also reflected in unprecedented decisions, such as organizing online National Assembly meetings during the pandemic, convening extraordinary National Assembly sessions, demonstrating innovative thinking and timeliness in policy response.

Second, during this term, the activities of the National Assembly clearly demonstrated openness and transparency, especially in supervising and accompanying the Government in removing obstacles.

Third, the National Assembly has changed its law-making activities in a more scientific and practical direction, creating rationality and suitability for each context and situation. Sometimes law-making needs to be detailed and specific, but sometimes, to create motivation and mechanisms for development, it is necessary to change the method.

Up to now, the National Assembly has created a huge volume of legal documents, with some sessions passing up to 20 laws and resolutions. Without changing the method, it cannot be done.

The National Assembly is also flexible in its operations in accepting comprehensive solutions, which is a strong innovation in thinking. There are contents that do not need to go through a strict process but have a great impact on society and economic development, for example, one law amending many laws, or passing laws in one session to do things faster, more concisely, and respond to society's requests as quickly as possible.

The National Assembly also has a change in thinking with a constructive law-making orientation, escaping from a managerial mindset.

Another thing that is easy to see is that the National Assembly is extremely courageous and responsible when deciding on a huge amount of resources and a huge number of key national projects. In this term alone, the National Assembly decided on more than 10 important and key national projects and projects; and decided on a series of resolutions to pilot special mechanisms. Without courage and responsibility, it would be difficult to do that.

With the notion that if we just discuss and then leave it there, we will be at fault with the people and the country, the National Assembly has shown its courage to do and take responsibility for the development and strength of the country.

In recent months, the whole country has been resolutely implementing the revolution of streamlining the apparatus and is continuing to implement the orientation of merging provinces and communes, not organizing at the district level. Many people expect that the reorganization of administrative units at all levels will not only help streamline the apparatus but also create large-scale economic zones to attract investment for sustainable development. In your opinion, what factors need to be carefully calculated to ensure that the merger achieves the expected goals?

- This content has been discussed a lot. The project to rearrange and reorganize administrative units at all levels and build a model of organizing a 2-level local government after receiving comments from the Central Government will be submitted to the National Assembly at the 9th session in early May.

We are on the march to carry out a great revolution and we have faith in success.

However, the arrangement and reorganization of administrative units at all levels, in addition to being based on the prescribed legal contents, must also learn from world experience and summarize practical lessons from previous implementations.

In which, there are two main bases to consider: natural base and social base.

Natural foundations include geographical and population factors of the region. Merging administrative boundaries must take into account area, population, geography and regional characteristics, ensuring unity and connection to create momentum and space for development.

The proposed options have also been carefully calculated in terms of geographical and population factors to create new dynamic areas.

Historical and cultural factors are also very important, because many localities have the same cultural identity, if they can be linked together, it will be very effective. On the contrary, merging two regions that are very different in history and culture will make it difficult to unify and create room for development.

Social infrastructure includes factors of economic and social infrastructure and development conditions. In terms of infrastructure, the merger must be calculated to create space, development momentum and have synchronization and connection in terms of transportation, healthcare, education, information technology, etc.

Besides, this policy needs to create social consensus and in each locality, to create solidarity and motivation for long-term, sustainable development.

In general, when we combine both natural and socio-economic factors, the ultimate goal must be to create momentum for development, open up new and wider development space, create greater strength for the locality and improve people's lives.

But the most important factor to pay attention to is the people, the administrative and operational apparatus. Leadership capacity, operational ability, and innovative thinking from the leadership team in the apparatus after the reorganization are also among the decisive factors for the success of this great revolution.

Looking ahead 10-20 years, when Vietnam aims to become a high-income developed country by 2045 and when we have successfully carried out the revolution of restructuring administrative units at all levels, what do you expect the country's picture to be like in the new era?

- We are working very synchronously and systematically in streamlining the apparatus, rearranging and reorganizing administrative units at all levels and building a 2-level local government model, with the goal of building a strong and developed country for the happiness of the people.

We set a goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045. If we successfully organize the revolution of streamlining the apparatus and arranging local administrative units, along with creating a strong change in taking science and technology as the foundation and driving force for development, this goal is completely feasible.

Not to mention, besides the scientific and technological revolution, we also have a great orientation towards private economic development.

We have no other way but to develop, if we do not want to fall behind and be left behind.

Forecasts from many international organizations indicate that if the growth momentum of the past three decades is maintained, by 2045 - the 100th anniversary of the country's founding, Vietnam's GDP is estimated to reach about 2,500 billion USD, GDP/capita will reach about 18,000 USD.

In the future, Vietnam will also have regional and international financial centers, attracting investment from many countries around the world.

We will certainly have a dynamic, sustainable and competitive economy. By focusing on investing in the development of science and technology, artificial intelligence and semiconductor chips, Vietnam can also become the world's factory.

Along with the economy, the country will have comprehensive changes in social security and people with major decisions on health and education such as free hospital fees and free tuition. At that time, Vietnam will be a country for human development.

After completing the lean revolution and reorganizing the apparatus, we will certainly have an efficient, effective, and productive apparatus, with the role of serving society, businesses, and people.

Besides being a livable country, Vietnam will be a country with strength, position and voice in the integration environment, becoming an important member in the international arena.

As Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh once said, not every journey is paved with roses, we must accept difficulties and challenges to overcome them.

With the spirit and lessons of 50 years of national unification, we can be completely confident in the future, becoming a prosperous, happy and highly-positioned country.

After 50 years of unification and 40 years of renovation, there are many lessons to be learned from a developed country rising from war and poverty, but there are two core lessons.

One is solidarity, unity creates common strength. Through many different historical periods, Vietnam has never lacked solidarity and unity and this lesson needs to be maintained in the future stages of the country's development.

The second lesson is to take the happiness, prosperity and satisfaction of the people as the goal for all actions, as Uncle Ho said "whatever is beneficial to the people must be done with all our might, whatever is harmful to the people must be avoided with all our might".

Whether in difficult times or in development, Vietnam needs to focus on these two core strategic lessons.

Thank you!

Content: Hoai Thu

Design: Tuan Huy

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/nhung-buoc-chuyen-minh-ngoan-muc-cua-viet-nam-sau-50-nam-thong-nhat-20250423090414588.htm