HÀ NỘI — Three years after implementing the 12th National Party Congress’s Resolution, Việt Nam has attained remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and Party building, boosting trust in the nation’s bright future.

In his article published ahead of the 89th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Việt Nam on February 3, Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng wrote that despite difficulties and challenges, Việt Nam’s strengths and standing have been enhanced and the country is thriving.

Việt Nam has never enjoyed such elevated potential and prestige as it does now, the leader wrote.

In 2018, Việt Nam accomplished all 12 of the development targets set by the National Assembly and surpassed nine of them. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate hit 7.08 per cent – the highest level in a decade – and its export turnover reached US$238 billion. It obtained a record trade surplus of $7.2 billion. The economy was valued at over VNĐ5.5 quadrillion (more than $240 billion), expanding by 1.3 times since 2015.

The country remained an attractive destination for foreign investors, with the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) exceeding $30 billion, nearly two thirds of which ($19.1 billion) was disbursed.

There were nearly 15.6 million foreign tourist arrivals, three times higher than in 2010, he wrote.

Regarding external relations, the leader said the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) was ratified by the National Assembly in November 2018 and came into force on January 14, 2019.

Việt Nam also organised numerous international events, including the World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN) 2018 and the 26th annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26). In 2018, the country was for the first time elected to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) for the 2019-25 tenure.

The Party, National Assembly and Government introduced a multitude of policies and mechanisms related to urgent issues last year.

The Party promulgated resolutions and regulations, creating a firm foundation and strong motivation for sustainable socio-economic development.

In terms of Party building and consolidation, the Party Central Committee issued regulations that breathed fresh air into the implementation of strategic political missions.

Notably, the fight against corruption, wastefulness and bureaucracy was stepped up and gained positive results.

“This is a breakthrough in Party building and consolidation as well as in tightening disciplines in the State apparatus and the whole political system, thus helping enhance trust of people from all walks of life in the Party’s leadership,” the leader wrote.

In his article, he also said that reform, industrialisation, modernisation, economic development and international integration are a great revolutionary cause, a “giant struggle” and a “severe self-surgery.”

Regarding the goals for 2019, the leader asked for full commitment to achieving development tasks, stabilising macro-economic fundamentals, speeding up economic restructuring in line with growth model reform, ensuring social welfare and improving living conditions.

Along with upholding independence and a stable environment for national development and external relations, he asked for the continued implementation of the 12th National Party Congress’s Resolution and the Politburo’s Directive No 5 on enhancing the study and observance of late President Hồ Chí Minh’s thoughts, moral values and lifestyle to improve Party building and consolidation. — VNS