 General Secretary To Lam speaks at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York (September 2024). (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam engages in addressing global issues
Vietnam’s strategic vision and orientations for external affairs, especially the upgradation of its relations with key partners and traditional friends, have brought about a fundamental shift in Vietnam's foreign relations in 2024. The favorable and open external relations landscape has established a solid foundation for Vietnam to strengthen national development and defense. These achievements serve as a driving force for Vietnam to continue to engage in addressing global issues in 2025.
After nearly 5 years of negotiations, the UN Convention on Cybercrime will be signed in Hanoi in 2025 and will be named the Hanoi Convention. It will be an important milestone in Vietnam's multilateral diplomacy. For the first time, a location in Vietnam will be associated with a global multilateral treaty on an issue of global concern. The decision reflects Vietnam's rising stature and influence on the global stage.
Vietnam's initiative to host the signing ceremony reaffirms its consistent stance of upholding international law and proactively participating in the UN’s efforts to address global issues. This is a legacy of Vietnam’s external policy of engaging in the flow of time, said Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu.
“Vietnam has placed itself in the global trends, applying one of the very important lessons of the Party on combining national strength and the strength of the time. We have promptly identified the trends of international relations. The international flow can be understood as positive international trends, such as the trends of peace, cooperation, and development, and respecting international law and the United Nations Charter. We have identified these trends and engaged in the efforts of the international community to boost development,” said Vu.
In 2025, Vietnam will host the ASEAN Future Forum, the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) Summit, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and continue to take on important tasks at multilateral organizations and forums.
Addressing the high-level General Debate of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2024, Party General Secretary To Lam said: “Amid the current rapidly changing world, every country plays a vital role. Vietnam is striving and accelerating to ensure a future of peace, stability, prosperity, and sustainability, not only for Vietnamese people but for people all over the world. This reflects Vietnam’s vision, goals, and commitments to the international community.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son analyzes Vietnam’s vision, goals, and commitments in 2025.
Mr. Son said: “Vietnam’s growing position and strength enable us to shape and contribute to building multilateral institutions, engage in initiatives led by other countries, and enhance our role in addressing key global issues and leading strategic mechanisms. In 2025, Vietnam’s foreign policy will prioritize hosting multilateral events. The country will continue its bid for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term and, for the first time, will seek election as a judge on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term. Vietnam will further contribute to tackling global challenges such as climate change and emissions reduction, and will participate in United Nations peacekeeping missions.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said Vietnam’s diplomacy must contribute to maintaining a peaceful, friendly, and cooperative environment for development.
Mr. Son said: “The primary task of foreign policy is to consolidate and maintain peace and friendship against any external challenges. Secondly, diplomacy plays a crucial role in linking internal and external forces, where internal forces are fundamental and long-term while external forces serve as a catalyst for breakthrough and progress. These include trade and investment resources, economic development and integration trends, a multipolar and multicenter world order based on international law, and the power of the scientific and technological revolution, knowledge economy, and globalization. Lastly, Vietnam will contribute more to peace and development, address global challenges, and work toward building and protecting a just and equitable international order on the basis of international law.”
Vietnam will continue to promote its image as an independent, self-reliant, peaceful, cooperative, friendly, and growing nation, while advancing a more comprehensive, modern, and professional diplomatic approach.
Vietnam - Asia's Rising Star”
By 2025, Vietnam will not only join the international community to address global issues, but will also known internationally for its economic growth and development prospects.
 The book “Vietnam – Asia’s Rising Star” compiled by two authors, Sam Korsmoe (American) and Brook Taylor (New Zealand). (Photo: thuonghieucongluan.com.vn) |
This year, authors Sam Korsmoe of the US and Brook Taylor of New Zealand introduced the book “Vietnam - Asia's Rising Star”. The two authors say Vietnam has transformed from one of the poorest nations in Asia to a high middle-income country. Brook Taylor said: Vietnam and Vietnamese people should take pride in what's been achieved. "They should be proud of where we've got to, but also going forward. They should be very proud of what can come. And what we observed in our research is when countries become more wealthy and more prosperous, they have a bigger impact on global culture as well. This is something that really excites me and I think it's what you were sort of referring to in To Lam’s speech, is that there's an exciting opportunity here for Vietnam to become more recognized internationally."
Vietnam is a rising star in Asia, poised to grow further into a high-income country, following the path of China’s Taiwan and South Korea as leading regional economies. Sam Korsmoe said: "I think what I hope Mr. Lam's comment will inspire me to do, among other things, is to start thinking big. Sense of self-confidence, a sense of pride, and a recognition that, well, that's going to take a lot of work. And so we have to get started on this. Let's start now."
Vietnam's growth prospects have been highlighted by international media and financial institutions. On January 9, the French news site reportlinker.com described Vietnam as a symbol of growth and resilience in the global economy. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Standard Chartered Bank predict strong GDP growth for Vietnam in 2024 and 2025. This optimism is reinforced by the government's ambitious goals, set amid an economy ready for transformation.
Narendra Taneja, a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, said: "When we look at the geopolitical landscape of Asia and particular Indo-Pacific, Vietnam is a very, very important country, especially for countries like India. If Vietnam is a strategic partner for India, it is a strategic partner for the United States, for Japan, for Korea, for Indonesia, for Australia, there are some challenges because the political system is very different. But the message is that they're working on it, making sure that more investment can flow in and Indian countries are also playing there."
By 2025, Vietnam’s manufacturing industry will gain new momentum from artificial intelligence (AI). Leading tech companies are planning to shift their supply chains to Vietnam, with NVIDIA’s strategic investment playing a key role. NVIDIA’s establishment of two AI centers and partnerships with local firms like VinBrain and FPT Corporation manifest Vietnam’s growing prominence in the global AI ecosystem.
Fion Ng, Chief Operations Officer of BW Industrial Development JSC, said: "Vietnam offers a lot of benefits to the other trading partners. I think one reason is because Vietnam offers a young, cost-competitive and a strong pool of engineers. I think this is the reason, trend of semiconductors, companies coming into Vietnam and studying the feasibility, coastal ones, depending on the severity of the damage, it will take, you know, for our tenants no problem. But I think some of the factories that were affected may take a little bit longer. But overall, I don't think it deter, you know, investor and foreign investment confidence into Vietnam."
Sarah Marniesse, CEO of the French Development Agency's Training Center, praised Vietnam's innovation efforts. She noted that Vietnam is one of the leading countries in innovation among middle-income countries, achieving remarkable progress, as reflected in its rising position in global innovation rankings.
"Vietnam’s efforts are paying off, positioning it as a leader in innovation, ranking second in the Innovation Index among 38 middle-income countries. The Doi Moi or Renovation reforms have driven its growth, and since 2022, science, technology, and innovation have been key national priorities, leading to significant breakthroughs," said Sarah Marniesse.
With a strong foundation and smart development strategy, Vietnam is solidifying its place as a standout in Southeast Asia and globally.
Echoing the views of media, financial institutions, and Sam Korsmoe and Brook Taylor, the authors of Vietnam – Asia’s Rising Star, US Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc Knapper, said Vietnam’s efforts will result in positive outcomes for the country itself and also its relations with the US.
 US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper (Photo: VOV) |
Reporter: Vietnam is making significant strides into a new era. What are your expectations for the country?
US Ambassador: The changes in the undertaking under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam. We recognize and I believe that the results, you know, to be positive that the ASEAN streamlines bureaucracy and the ASEAN creates a more efficient government which will help to attract investors to a company that may be able to do the decisions, the approvals, the licenses will be granted quickly and they can have access to the energy that they can lose. But I believe that the results will be positive. I think ultimately hopefully, you know, if things change and if the processes become more efficient, you'll see the results with more investors, American investors come here and take, you know, the benefit from what could contribute to the ASEAN's growing economy.
Reporter: Vietnam aims to become a developed, high-income country by 2045, marking its 100th anniversary. How do you view the potential for Vietnam to achieve its goal?
US Ambassador: There's so much potential here. Very often we have to sort of unleash the potential by, by freeing up, again, freeing up processes to grant approval by freeing up to what's due. Let the amount of creative and unnerved population go out and create and beyond for nurse and to team, you know, or to have such a young, vibrant, dynamic population. I think there's so many opportunities out there and I just want to make sure that young people will get dispersed, that young people feel that they're in an economy that, which they can, they've got an idea of and they can run with it and make a business and succeed and make money. And I think one of the above strengths is how optimistic people are about, about the future.
Reporter: How will Vietnam's changes impact the Vietnam-US relationship?
US Ambassador: We believe that, again, the amount of prosperous, strong, independent, resilient is good for the United States. But I think only these two countries, parts of countries, have experienced so much together that where you usually, it's clear that the amount of nature which is to strengthen its economy, strengthen its relations with the United States, integrate more with the global economy. And these things, I think, are our basic foundational policies that will remain, remain the same for us all. Thank you.
Reporter: Thank you Ambassador for your sharing
Vietnam advances with the time
2025, the Year of the Snake, is a historic milestone as Vietnam prepares for a new era of national rise.
 Party General Secretary To Lam meets with overseas Vietnamese |
Party General Secretary To Lam has repeatedly stated that from now until 2030 is a critical strategic period for Vietnam, under the Party’s 100-year leadership, to accelerate to realize its strategic centennial goals, ahead of Vietnam’s 100th founding anniversary.
"Vietnam’s development has been robust, but our peers around the world are also rapidly advancing. Now, more than ever, is the time for us to rise and accelerate to catch up with other countries in the world. This is our opportunity, and missing it would be a disservice to the nation and its people," said the Party leader.
To seize this opportunity and locate Vietnam’s global standing in technology, Vietnamese leaders are investing heavily in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Vietnam aims to enter Southeast Asia’s top 3 and the world’s top 50 in digital competitiveness in the next 5 years.
Vietnam also strives to become a high-income, developed country with science, technology, and innovation as its backbones, with its key economic sectors at an advanced level and deeply integrated into the global value chain in the next 20 years.
General Secretary To Lam said: "We must improve our capabilities and global competitiveness to make Vietnam a digital industrial hub in the region and the world. We must learn to stand on the shoulders of giants. Digital transformation is a long-term, strategic endeavor that will enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness and standing in the global economy. By leveraging advanced technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, Internet-of-Things (IoT), we can strengthen our economic spearheads, promote innovation, and develop an independent, self-reliant, and sustainable economy as well as a comprehensive, advanced digital society with its own identity."
The Party’s strategic policy is focusing on developing science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, said: "The policy aims to create new breakthroughs for national development during a new era of national rise, as General Secretary To Lam has repeatedly said. It reflects what the Party leader wishes to encourage the new mindset and strategic policies to realize Vietnam’s development goals in the coming period."
By embracing current trends, adopting incentives, and fostering collaboration, Vietnam is confident to achieve its development goals.
Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam, Christoph Prommersberger, said: "Vietnam can further enhance its ecosystem design, establishing efficient one-stop shop centers for the industry globally. The Netherlands is in the forefront of the global semiconductor industry and we see a big potential in Vietnam as well. We are committed to continuing our cooperation with Vietnam in this important field, as we believe this partnership can open up new opportunities for both countries and also for the industry globally."
Associate Professor Vu Minh Khuong of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of the National University of Singapore, said: "Good policy planning will give a significant boost to Vietnam’s international integration in the coming time. In my opinion, the Party and the government have adopted more increasingly forward-looking and resolute policies."
Diplomat Ton Nu Thi Ninh said: "After 50 years of peace, Vietnam is heading towards a historic moment to prove itself to the world. We must be confident that we are now stronger and happier than ever before. Signs of progress and advancements are seen everywhere, and contributions to this progress are coming in all shapes and sizes."
Echoing her sentiment, many Vietnamese also believe that Vietnam’s future is looking brighter than ever.
"In 2024, Vietnam developed strongly in all fields. I hope that in 2025, the nation will advance and grow even more."
"We believe in Vietnam’s national spirit and people. The time is ripe to introduce the world to a new and better Vietnam and a Vietnam ready to enter a new, better chapter."
"This is the first year we prepare for a new era of national rise. I and my fellow overseas Vietnamese yearn for the homeland, and together with the Party and State, contribute to building and developing Vietnam."
Vietnam is standing before a historic opportunity to propel itself into a new era of national rise and affirm its standing in the new era, having promptly identified global trends in international relations. Vietnam is ready to seize the opportunity to achieve its goals.