1. Party Congresses at all levels for 2020-2025 term succeed with significant reform

Party Congresses from grassroots to central levels were held successfully in various fields. Major topics were discussed and decisions were made in the spirit of democracy, wisdom, and responsibility, especially the preparation of draft documents to be submitted to the National Party Congress and personnel work.

Every Party organization closely followed the situation to adopt  a suitable pathway and solutions for the development of better quality and quantity. Requirements for criteria, structure, quantity, and quality of Party committees and permanent members of Party committees were applied, resulting in a higher percentage of female, ethnic, and younger members compared to previous terms. 43% of new Party Secretaries in cities and provinces were born in the 1970s.

2. Vietnam controls and prevents Covid-19, becoming a bright spot in the world

Thanks to correct, aggressive guidelines and solutions by the Party and the State, as well as the engagement of the whole political system plus the consensus and strong determination of the people, Vietnam has effectively controlled the Covid-19 pandemic. Strict social distancing, early responses, and pandemic control measures in hot spots to prevent spreading led to the success. Vietnam has been a role model for other countries for its low-cost but effective pandemic fighting method. The pandemic has forced many social activities to be conducted online, including the National Assembly session, the ASEAN high-level meeting, workshops and learning activities in schools, and business transactions. 

3. Vietnam assumes role of ASEAN Chair, AIPO/AIPA Chair, and non-permanent member of UN Security Council 

Promoting the spirit of “Cohesion and Proactive Adaptation,” Vietnam as ASEAN Chair and other ASEAN members showed their strong will, unity, and solidarity against any difficulty, and maintained cooperation in effectively responding to impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, strengthening ASEAN centrality, and raising its stature regionally and globally. The most successful event was Vietnam’s promotion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade deal, while maintaining ASEAN consensus in upholding international law, preserving peace in the East Sea, and settling disputes through diplomacy and dialogues.

With Vietnam chairing the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, the UN Security Council passed 13 decisions, one Chairman Statement, five press statements, and two press releases – record numbers for one month’s work by the UN Security Council. Thanks to Vietnam’s initiative, the UN declared December 27 International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. This was the first UN resolution proposed by Vietnam.

4. During the economic havoc caused by Covid-19, Vietnam has been one of few economies still posting a high growth rate

Vietnam stabilized its macro-economy, kept inflation at a low level, and managed higher-quality growth with improved economic balances. Amid the pandemic, Vietnam recorded GDP growth of 2.91%, with a per capita income of approximately 2,750 USD in 2020, achieving one of the highest growth rates in the world. Its trade surplus reached a record high of 17 billion USD with a foreign currency reserve of 100 billion USD.

5. Deeper economic integration through free trade agreements

The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into force on August 1, 2020, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese exports to the EU. Vietnam also joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with 15 members and a market size of more than 2.2 billion people worth 26.2 trillion USD, the biggest free trade area in the world. These agreements will boost Vietnamese exports and diversify its export markets, especially in fisheries and agricultural products, where Vietnam is  more competitive. 

6. Successful organization of major celebrations, rekindling national patriotism and pride

Major celebrations were successfully held in 2020, including the 90^th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam on February 3, the 90^th anniversary of the Vietnam National United Front and the Traditional Day of the Vietnam Fatherland Front on November 18, the 130^th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh on May 19, the 75^th anniversary of the success of the August Revolution on August 19, the National Day on September 2, and the 45^th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and national reunification on April 30. These celebrations have rekindled the great national spirit of unity and self-reliance, while consolidating public trust in national reform and international integration under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. 

7. Party building and rectification in the whole political system combined with resolute and efficient anti-corruption efforts

Party building and rectification made progress in 2020, with strengthened leadership and resilience by Party organizations. Corruption control and prevention was directed by the Party and State resolutely, without immunity or exception. Law enforcement agencies tried multiple cases of serious corruption and economic malfeasance. Stronger anti-corruption efforts at local levels have been promoted to prevent harassment or frustration for individual and businesses. This contributed to political stability, social and economic development and stronger trust in the Party and State.

8. Progress made in culture and human development

Being aware of culture as a driving force, a goal, an internal source of strength, and a spiritual foundation of society, various cultural forms were preserved and promoted as reflected in arts and cultural events. Congresses of arts and literature associations were successfully held, in addition to theatrical arts festivals and award ceremonies to honor artistic and literary works. Human development with modern national values was fostered.

2020 was Vietnam’s year for digital transformation. The government, ministries, and businesses deployed new infrastructure, platforms, services, and products based on advanced technology in big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

9. Socio-political stability, national defense and security consolidated and strengthened

Vietnam has built the revolutionary People’s Army and People’s Police Forces towards elite professionalism and modernity. National independence, integrity and territorial sovereignty, national interests, political security, law and social order were ensured. The whole national defense and security were consolidated together with people’s will and support. Despite complications in the East Sea, resolute and proper resolution was made. National defense and security strategies were effectively implemented. Traditional and non-traditional security threats were uprooted and eliminated. Control and prevention of crimes and social evils was highly effective.

10. Natural disasters, including storms and floods in the central region, wreak havoc and their effects are overcome

Abnormal hailstorms arrived at the beginning of the year, and droughts ravaged the central, central highlands, and the Mekong River Delta region. In October and November, north central and south central regions were battered by powerful typhoons, causing the most severe floods and landslides in a century. Nearly 200 people died and economic losses were estimated at 1.3 billion USD. This was the consequence of human-caused global climate change. A new concept of “multiple disaster” emerged in replacement of “single disaster” concept. Through these difficulties, national unity and country fellowship prevailed and the worst effects of the disasters were dealt with and overcome.