Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the plenary session of the Sub-Committee for Socio-Economic Affairs of the 13th National Party Congress (Photo: TTXVN)

The COVID-19 pandemic is not just a health crisis. It is shaking the world, causing great damage to people’s lives, and seriously depressing the global economy. Upholding the leadership of the Party and the national spirit, the Vietnamese government and people have stayed united, promoted creativity, and made efforts to fulfill the dual task of fighting the disease while restoring and developing the economy and leaving no one behind. So far, Vietnam has contained the epidemic and has been praised internationally for its efforts.

Despite COVID-19, Vietnam’s GDP in the first half of this year grew nearly 2%, its trade surplus reached 11 billion USD, and FDI increased sharply. Of 66 emerging economies Vietnam is the 12th strongest financially following the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Economist newspaper in its May survey.

At a plenary session of the Sub-Committee for Socio-Economic Affairs of the 13^th National Party Congress, held few days prior to National Day, September 2, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said: "We have managed to overcome difficulties, and in difficulties our national values are upheld. In a survey conducted recently by the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communications and Education, 97 percent of respondents expressed confidence in the measures adopted by the Party and State to fight COVID-19. That outcome reflects a consensus of national aspirations and  Party guidelines, which creates a solid basis for overcoming difficulties.”

Over the past 75 years, Vietnam has gained major achievements: economic growth has been maintained at a relatively high rate, people’s lives have improved, socio-political stability has been maintained, national security and defense has been ensured, and legal institutions have been refined. Vietnam has expanded external relations, accelerated international integration, and actively and responsibly contributed to peace and cooperation in the region and around the world. Amid the current difficulties, the Vietnamese government is working toward innovative and sustainable economic restructuring and a shift to a digital economy. Vietnam’s significant achievements over the years are a measure of the country’s strong spirit and will.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said: “Vietnam and other countries around the world are facing numerous economic obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts have hurt growth. The national aspirations, innovation, culture, and people of Vietnam need to be promoted to overcome these obstacles and move Vietnam forward.”

Vietnam launches ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020 (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

This year, Vietnam is celebrating its 75^th National Day while simultaneously serving as ASEAN Chair, AIPA President, and Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council. All these posts signal Vietnam’s rising international status and role as a friend and reliable partner of other countries. During the spreading COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has strengthened external relations and cooperation, and provided medical aid to 40 countries and international organizations. Since February, the Party leader and President, the Prime Minister, and the National Assembly Chairwoman have held 30 online meetings and phone talks with foreign leaders, ASEAN, the World Health Organization, the G20, the IPU, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Vietnam has impressed the world with its extensive international integration and contribution to regional and global peace, cooperation, and development.

Vietnam’s achievements over the last 75 years, culminating in a promising 2020, will sustain it on its path to an even brighter future.