Party General Secretary To Lam presents the 13th Party Central Committee's report on the documents submitted to the 14th National Congress.

Bao Tram:  Welcome, Dr. Horvath, to VOV24/7. The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has been viewed as the most significant shift since “Doi Moi” was launched in 1986. What is your take of this view?

Dr. Horvath: Thank you very much for the invitation. Exactly 40 years ago Vietnam adopted the policy of “Doi Moi”, which was a courageous step towards a new openness that enabled economic prosperity. This new approach turned Vietnam from a desperately underdeveloped country with extreme poverty into what it is today: a rising developing country with middle income and enormous potential!

In the 21^st century new challenges are rapidly approaching. The 14^th National Congress is about to make Vietnam’s system fit for the future. The grand and rightful goal is to turn Vietnam into a high-income and highly developed country by the year 2045.

Bao Tram: The 14th National Party Congress's documents identify science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the central driving force for national development. What are your observations about this strategy?

Dr. Horvath: Today the “digital transformation” and the application of AI promise a boost in production efficiency. Vietnam has fully committed to make use of this opportunity. In preparation for the National Congress’s decisions, Resolution 57 already prepared important steps for Vietnam’s digital future, including the creation of new infrastructure and a ground-breaking educational reform. I expect the 14^th National Congress to further specify and deepen this important commitment to digitalization.

Dr. Patrick Horvath, WIWIPOL's Secretary General (Photo courtesy of Patrick Horvath)

Bao Tram: Based on WIWIPOL’s policy research experience, how do you evaluate the role of institutional and national governance reform in translating the resolutions of the 14th National Party Congress into practice?

Dr. Horvath: As policy researchers we are truly amazed by Vietnam’s openness to reform and its absolute determination to prepare for future challenges.

The so-called “streamlining revolution” is truly remarkable. Vietnam has already completely reshaped its administrative landscape by reducing the number of its provinces from 63 to 34, cutting 30% of key party commissions and government ministries. This reformed and leaner system is much easier to coordinate and will make Vietnam faster, more flexible and resilient.

I’m sure that the 14th National Party Congress will continue on this reform path. Vietnam’s proven ability to reform makes me confident that the economic goals can be fulfilled. It’s a good sign if a country is willing to step out of its comfort zone and makes necessary adjustments.

Bao Tram: Finally, Dr. Horvath, what’s your message to the young Vietnamese entrepreneurs and students who will be the ones to actually build this future?

Dr. Horvath: The message I’d like to send to Vietnam’s future generation is: Believe in yourself! You’ve already got everything inside of you to master all challenges ahead. The key is to trust in your own dreams.

My country Austria today ranks among the top 10 of the world’s wealthiest nations. It was not always like that. After World War II Austria laid in ruins. The cities were destroyed, there was hardly any food or electricity. But the belief to build a brighter future was unshattered inside Austria’s people and soon the dream became reality!

I can see much talent, but most importantly the “fire in their eyes”. Money follows the mind, meaning you can build up great wealth if you passionately follow your path and trust in your own endeavors.

Bao Tram: Thank you for talking with VOV24/7, Dr. Horvath, and giving us an international perspective on Vietnam’s path to 2045.  

Dr. Horvath: Always happy to be with you! Goodbye to all the VOV listeners.