(VOVworld) - Dear listeners and Vietnamese people around the world!
2013 has ended with Vietnam’s many domestic and international achievements in the context of complicated global fluctuations. Despite the global economic downturn, Vietnam has been able to maintain its macro-economy, control inflation, ensure social security, and safeguard national defense and security. Thanks to government efforts, Vietnam’s inflation in 2013 was contained at 6.04%, the lowest in the last 10 years while its growth rate stood at 5.42%.
2013 was a successful year for Vietnam in terms of foreign investment attraction with 21.6 billion USD, up 54.5% from last year. Vietnam earned 132.2 billion USD from exports, up 15.4% from last year while overseas remittances reached 11 billion USD.
By implementing its foreign policy of independence, self reliance, diversification and multilateralization of international relations, and international integration, Vietnam has gained important achievements, creating a favorable international environment for cooperation, development, national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Vietnam has established strategic and comprehensive partnerships with many developed countries, including the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council. Vietnam has contributed significantly to building an ASEAN Community. Vietnam has won a high number of votes to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and a member of UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Vietnam’s relations with other countries have made it easier for the more than 4 million overseas Vietnamese to be connected with their homeland.
In 2013, Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) continued to be a reliable information channel at home and abroad with 4 formats: radio, TV, print and online newspaper. VOV helped to introduce to the world Vietnam and its politics, economics, culture, and society. VOV’s websites including vovworld.vn, vov.vn and radiovietnam.vn have been reliable sources of information for both domestic and foreign audiences. VOV now broadcasts in 11 foreign languages and 12 ethnic minority languages.
In 2014, VOV will continue to improve and diversify its programming and connection with international friends and overseas Vietnamese.
On the occasion of the New Year, on behalf of VOV’s staff, I wish you all good health, prosperity and happiness.