The “era of national rise” is more than an aspiration - it is Vietnam’s strategic plan to accelerate economic growth, innovation, and global influence.
The phrase "era of national rise" is not unfamiliar in literature.
However, the concept of "a new era of development - Vietnam’s era of national rise," as widely discussed today, is closely tied to the vision and leadership of General Secretary To Lam.
This marks a historic shift - one that reflects both reality and ambition, combining optimism with strategic thinking as Vietnam prepares to step into its next phase of national progress.
The journey ahead aims to fulfill the aspiration that President Ho Chi Minh voiced 80 years ago:
"Will Vietnam become a beautiful nation? Will the Vietnamese people rise to stand alongside the world's great powers?"
This question now resonates deeply, fueling a collective determination to turn aspiration into reality.
Key milestones shaping a new era
General Secretary To Lam delivers a directive speech at the National Conference on Breakthroughs in Science, Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation. Photo: VGP
On September 23, 2024, at Columbia University in the United States, General Secretary To Lam, in his capacity as head of state, declared:
"After nearly 80 years of nation-building and nearly 40 years of reform, under the comprehensive leadership of the Communist Party, Vietnam is at the threshold of a historic turning point - a new era: the Era of the Nation’s Rise."
This speech marked the first time that the "era of national rise" was introduced as a political vision, signaling Vietnam’s commitment to a new phase of development.
The very next day, at the 79th UN General Assembly’s “Summit of the Future,” he articulated Vietnam’s aspirations as part of “The Grand Orchestration of Our Era” - positioning the nation as an active participant in shaping global progress.
Subsequent high-level visits to Cuba, Mongolia, Ireland, France, and Malaysia reinforced this message, embedding "Vietnam’s national rise" as a guiding principle in foreign policy and economic strategy.
On October 21, 2024, at the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly, To Lam emphasized the critical need for legislative reform to remove institutional bottlenecks that had hindered Vietnam’s progress.
"Among the three major obstacles to development, institutions are the 'bottleneck of bottlenecks.' If not addressed with clear vision and strong leadership, ineffective policies could create setbacks for national growth," he warned.
Further solidifying this vision, To Lam delivered a series of major speeches at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics - first on October 31, 2024, in an address to future Central Committee members, and again on November 25, 2024, where he outlined seven strategic directions for Vietnam’s new era of growth.
He elaborated on policy reforms aimed at streamlining government operations, advancing digital transformation, and intensifying anti-corruption measures, setting the stage for a more agile and transparent governance model.
On December 30, 2024, at a national conference with Vietnam’s leading intellectuals and scientists, he issued a call to action:
"In the era of national rise, our intellectuals and scientists must be the core force—the ones with the ‘magic touch’ to elevate Vietnam."
He set ambitious targets:
By 2030, Vietnam should be among the top three Southeast Asian nations in AI research, among the top 50 globally in digital competitiveness and e-government development, and home to at least five world-class tech enterprises.
By 2045, Vietnam aims to be a leading digital technology hub in the region and the world, ranking among the top 30 in innovation and digital transformation.
On January 13, 2025, Vietnam held its first National Conference on Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in over 60 years, attended by nearly one million delegates both in person and online.
General Secretary To Lam presented a vision for Vietnam’s scientific revolution, advocating for a “Resolution 57” that would act as a catalyst for liberating scientific thought and attracting top global talent, including overseas Vietnamese experts.
His message was clear:
"Innovation must break barriers and surpass limitations to create breakthroughs. We must know how to stand on the shoulders of giants."
From vision to action: The start of a transformative era
The National Conference on Breakthroughs in Science, Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation at Dien Hong Hall – National Assembly. Photo: Pham Thang
The "era of national rise" is not merely a political slogan.
It reflects a strategic shift in governance, economic policy, and technological ambition - marked by bold reforms, institutional restructuring, and aggressive investment in high-tech industries.
Notable policy shifts include:
A government-wide push for efficiency, including bureaucratic streamlining and public sector downsizing.
The revival of two major national projects to reignite economic growth and push Vietnam toward double-digit GDP expansion.
A groundbreaking "Science and Technology Policy" akin to the historic "Khoan 10" agricultural reform, designed to unleash research and development potential.
New regulations on public order and digital governance, including Decree 168 for traffic safety enforcement.
This proactive approach mirrors historical moments when nations underwent "take-off phases" - a concept used to describe the rapid industrialization of countries that successfully transitioned from developing to advanced economies.
For Vietnam, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The road ahead: A national call to rise
The "era of national rise" embodies:
A strong political will to break through stagnation and unleash Vietnam’s full potential.
A commitment to institutional reform, removing structural barriers to growth.
A focus on high-tech innovation, ensuring Vietnam moves beyond middle-income status into the ranks of leading industrialized nations.
Vietnam stands at a crossroads.
The nation has the economic foundation, technological momentum, human capital, and political leadership to rise - but this opportunity must be seized now, not later.
With the Fourth Industrial Revolution, AI advancements, and global shifts in supply chains, Vietnam has a rare chance to leap forward rather than follow the traditional path of gradual development.
In this defining moment, the choice is clear: "Either we rise with the era - or we risk missing our window of opportunity."
Prof. Dr. Ho Si Quy Member of the Central Theoretical Council - Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences
Vietnamnet.vn
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