Embarking on a New Year of prosperity

Nguyen Phu Trong - Party General Secretary, State President

Despite difficulties and challenges, in 2018 our country still developed quickly and comprehensively in almost all sectors, accomplishing all 12 socioeconomic goals, and even exceeding eight of them.

GDP growth hit more than 7 per cent, with a GDP volume of over $245 billion and per capita GDP of $2,580. The macroeconomic situation continues to be stable, with inflation under control and the consumer price index increasing below 4 per cent on-year. Export turnover also increased, with a record trade surplus of over $7 billion. The startup and innovation movement has been supported, with more than 130,000 newly-established enterprises.

The country’s diplomatic and international integration activities have been boosted, contributing to the firm protection of national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national strategic interests. This has helped enhance the country’s international prestige and status. Vietnam’s adoption of the CPTPP and for the first time becoming a member of the UN Commission on International Trade Law for the 2019-2025 tenure have shown the country’s initiative and responsibility in the international integration process.

(Excerpt from the interview with Party General Secretary, State President Nguyen Phu Trong by the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the New Year 2019)

Nguyen Xuan Phuc - Prime Minister

The strong development of many Vietnamese private economic groups shows that the country’s business climate can produce big enterprises that can compete against, and become partners to, major international groups. Many of these Vietnamese groups are now members of the World Economic Forum, such as FPT, Viettel, BRG, and Hoa Phat.

Over the past years, the startup movement has developed strongly. More than 130,000 enterprises were established in 2018. Many Vietnamese businesses have been investing not only at home, but also in overseas markets. This has affirmed the international competitiveness and growing status of Vietnamese enterprises. The country’s economic achievements closely pertain to economic liberalisation, trade flows, and economic integration. Vietnam considers international integration as an important impetus and tool to boost economic reforms, growth, and sustainable reduction of poverty. The 16 free trade agreements which have been signed or remain under negotiation show the consistent policy on trade liberalisation and economic integration of Vietnam. When in Vietnam, you can see almost all of the big markets of the world, with our country playing a very important role.

(Excerpt from the speech by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Vietnam Business Forum in December 2018)

Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan - National Assembly Chairwoman

In 2019, we will continue implementing the Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress and the agenda of the 14th National Assembly. The whole Party, people, and our military, as well as the entire political system, are showing high determination in order to boost national socioeconomic development, firmly maintain political stability, and strengthen national security and defence, as well as expand external relations.

The National Assembly has adopted a resolution on constructing laws and ordinances for 2019. All National Assembly members and agencies will continue enhancing their brainpower, studying materials, catching up with realities, and listening to the ideas and feedback of constituents, experts, and people from all walks of life, so that they can consider, discuss, and adopt qualitative and feasible laws.

The National Assembly will continue its Q&A sessions, supervise the operation of state agencies, and supervise the implementation of the socioeconomic development plan and state budget plan for the year.

(Excerpt from the interview with National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan by the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the New Year 2019)

VIR