Over its 95-year leadership, the Communist Party of Vietnam has proven its pivotal role in the nation’s development and the people’s progress. Under the Party’s guidance and Ho Chi Minh’s vision, Vietnam has achieved remarkable milestones, steadfastly advancing in nation-building and defense.
Over 40 years of Renovation, under the Party’s leadership, Vietnam has transformed from a poverty-stricken nation into a high-growth economy. Photo: THÚY HẰNG |
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
In 40 years of Renovation, Vietnam has risen from poverty to become a high-growth economy, effectively reducing poverty and resiliently overcoming global crises like the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
By 2025, the economy is projected to reach $510 billion (32nd globally), with per capita GDP hitting $5,000 and growth at 8%—among the region’s highest. Multidimensional poverty has dropped below 2%, lifting tens of millions out of poverty and eliminating substandard housing. Vietnam’s success in poverty reduction has earned global acclaim from the World Bank and IMF as an “impressive achievement.”
These advancements highlight the Party’s resilience and foresight. Notably, in 1986, amidst severe economic and social crises, the Party boldly abandoned outdated models, embracing risks to open up and integrate. It has consistently pursued national independence alongside socialism, despite complex global shifts.
The Party’s leadership in Renovation is evident in its innovative application of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, adapting theory to practice and formulating policies aligned with objective laws and modern trends. This was key to the 1986 Renovation, transforming Vietnam from crisis to robust development.
Beyond policy-making, the Party has developed a theoretical framework for Renovation, ensuring continued leadership in the new era. These achievements have solidified its credibility, earning deep public trust and elevating Vietnam’s global standing.
However, hostile forces persist in undermining these successes to weaken the Party’s leadership and Vietnam’s political system. They exploit public misconceptions about corruption, income inequality, and policy limitations to distort realities.
These forces also capitalize on theoretical and historical gaps. Some, lacking full understanding, are swayed by claims of socialism’s obsolescence or criticisms of corruption, inequality, and freedom restrictions, casting doubt on the Party’s leadership.
With social media’s rise, they spread misinformation, exploiting “information bubbles” to sow skepticism among those lacking critical thinking skills.
Hanoi’s streets are vibrant with banners and flags celebrating the 14th National Party Congress, held from January 19 to 25. Photo: THÚY HẰNG
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Countering Distortions with Global Benchmarks
To effectively counter hostile narratives, Vietnam’s Renovation achievements must be evaluated using objective global benchmarks.
First, a historical and comprehensive perspective is essential. Renovation is an ongoing process of socio-economic development, with each phase building on the last, despite challenges.
Second, Vietnam’s progress should be compared regionally and globally. In 1986, Vietnam ranked 9th out of 10 ASEAN economies, only above Myanmar. By 2024, it became the 4th largest ASEAN economy, after Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Third, rely on globally recognized indices like GDP, HDI, and competitiveness rankings from the UN, IMF, and World Bank.
According to WIPO, Vietnam ranks 44th out of 139 in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), maintaining its 2024 position. It’s also among the top 9 middle-income countries fastest improving since 2013. UNDP reports a 50% HDI increase from 0.492 in 1990 to 0.726 in 2022.
Fourth, consider Vietnam’s development within a volatile global and regional context.
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OPINIONS TRẦN QUỐC HUY, Deputy Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union: Youth Resilience in the Digital Age Ahead of the 14th Party Congress, hostile forces are intensifying distortions about leadership and national achievements, especially online. Ho Chi Minh City’s youth must embody resilience, responsibility, and decisiveness, staying engaged without emotional reactions. Prioritize political education, critical thinking, and adherence to Party principles and official information. Tech-savvy youth, equipped with political acumen, are key to countering misinformation. Strengthen political education, provide timely official information, and train core members to identify and refute false narratives. Young officials should model civilized social media use, reinforcing youth as reliable ideologues in today’s digital landscape. —– NGUYỄN HỮU CHÂU, Ho Chi Minh City Voter: Streamlining Governance for Better Public Welfare Hostile forces criticize administrative streamlining, but it’s a long-term, cost-saving reform. A leaner government enables better public welfare and corruption detection. This unprecedented reform is iterative, with pilot phases. Eliminating intermediary levels has improved public access and efficiency. Affected employees receive support. “Public welfare” now includes tuition and healthcare waivers. Infrastructure upgrades, from airports to highways, bolster public trust in the Party’s leadership. Recorded by LÊ THOA |
Dr. THẠCH KIM HIẾU, Vice Dean of Party Building, Ho Chi Minh City Cadre Academy
– 06:52 16/01/2026
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From a scarcity-driven economy with a staggering 774% inflation rate in 1986, Vietnam has transformed into a high-middle-income developing country after 40 years of reform, boasting a GDP exceeding $510 billion.
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Closing Ceremony of the 15th Central Committee Conference
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Unveiling the Key Leadership Appointments for the 2026-2031 Term: Central Committee’s Unified Decision on Party and State Personnel
The Central Executive Committee has unanimously approved a report on Party personnel affairs to be presented at the 14th National Party Congress. They also voted (with a high degree of consensus) to endorse candidates for the 14th Central Executive Committee, as well as nominees for the Politburo, Secretariat, and key Party and State leadership positions for the 2026-2031 term. These endorsements will be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress for consideration, decision-making, and elections in accordance with Party regulations and statutes.
UOB Forecasts SBV to Maintain Policy Rates Unchanged Throughout 2026
UOB Bank (Singapore) has released its latest report on Vietnam’s economic outlook for 2025 and 2026.
