The first days of 2025 mark the beginning of a historic chapter for Vietnam - a time of unprecedented growth and transformation.

As the country moves forward, it carries the momentum of remarkable economic achievements, ambitious infrastructure projects, and a strong national vision.

A nation rising to new heights

The Vietnamese economy has defied global challenges to secure an impressive 7% growth rate in 2024, positioning itself among the fastest-growing economies in the world.

More than just a single economic victory, this success represents the collective progress of the entire nation, fueled by strategic development and the resilience of its people.

Vietnam is undergoing a significant political and administrative transformation. With a more efficient and streamlined government structure, the country is ensuring that its institutions are prepared for the demands of a new era.

At the same time, major infrastructure projects - such as Long Thanh International Airport, the North-South Expressway, high-speed rail, Can Gio seaport, and the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant - are either nearing completion or beginning construction. These projects symbolize Vietnam’s bold commitment to modernization and global competitiveness.

A thriving workforce and strategic investments

Vietnam is no longer just a country of potential - it is a nation that has firmly established its role in the global economy. The country has cultivated a highly skilled workforce for Industry 4.0 and attracted massive investment from multiple economic sectors, ensuring sustainable growth.

This rapid development is driven by a national spirit of unity and resilience. From overcoming colonial rule to leading independence movements, Vietnam has consistently turned adversity into strength.

Today, the nation’s diplomatic influence continues to expand, with diplomatic ties established with nearly every UN member state and a commitment to neutrality in global conflicts.

These achievements cannot be bought - they are the result of centuries of unwavering national identity and a commitment to justice and righteousness. The philosophy of “using virtue to overcome brutality” has guided Vietnam through history and continues to shape its modern success.

Embracing the future with innovation and ambition

Vietnam’s new era is not just about continuing past successes; it is about actively shaping the future. The country has embraced Industry 4.0 with a commitment to developing its own digital and technological ecosystem.

The days of Vietnam being seen as merely a manufacturing hub are over - the country is now positioning itself as a leader in high-tech industries, from rare earth and tungsten processing to semiconductor production and nuclear energy.

At the 13th Central Committee Conference on January 23, 2025, General Secretary To Lam set forth an ambitious vision for Vietnam’s economic growth, predicting double-digit GDP expansion in the near future.

While such a target may have seemed unrealistic in previous decades, the rapid progress of 2024, with a 7% GDP growth rate, suggests that this goal is well within reach.

Vietnam’s economy is now driven by a diverse range of investments. Foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to flow in, but equally significant is the rise of domestic private enterprises. Billion-dollar Vietnamese corporations and state-led initiatives - such as Viettel, the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant, and high-speed rail development - are paving the way for economic self-reliance. Meanwhile, offshore oil exploration, rare earth extraction, and domestic industrial production are ensuring Vietnam’s long-term economic sustainability.

As Vietnam moves further into 2025, the country’s focus is clear: innovation, self-sufficiency, and global integration. The dream of standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s leading economies - first envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh - no longer seems distant. Instead, it is becoming a tangible reality, built on the foundations of resilience, vision, and determination.

Vietnam is no longer merely a participant in the global economy - it is a rising force, ready to leave a lasting impact on the world stage.

Dinh Duc Sinh