Professor Vu Minh Khuong, speaking from Singapore, expressed admiration for the Vietnamese government’s leadership during the challenging 2021–2025 period, encapsulating its efforts in what he called the “3Qs”: bravery (Quả cảm), decisiveness (Quyết liệt), and selflessness (Quên mình).

The remarks were made during an online forum titled “Vietnam’s Socio-Economic Development 2021–2025: Resilience and Breakthrough” hosted by the Government Portal to reflect on the country’s most significant achievements over the past five years.

Turning crises into opportunities

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Ramla Khalidi. Photo: VGP

Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, said the country had made notable strides despite major global challenges.

“I believe Vietnam has been able to turn some of these crises and challenges into opportunities,” Khalidi noted.

She highlighted Vietnam’s economic growth of over 7% during the period and emphasized progress in the Human Development Index (HDI), which continues to improve.

According to Khalidi, the most impressive aspect lies in the government’s strong leadership and strategic vision, which enabled effective economic development policies.

“We are entering a new era focused on innovation and a shift toward a circular, green, and inclusive economy. I fully support Vietnam’s vision for sustainable development and believe this must remain the guiding focus,” she added.

Joining virtually from Singapore, Professor Vu Minh Khuong of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy emphasized that Vietnam had endured an extraordinary period marked by unprecedented transformations across all sectors.

From the COVID-19 pandemic to disruptions in global trade, Vietnam displayed remarkable strength and emerged poised for a new phase of progress.

He praised the Central Committee, the Government, and the Prime Minister for their consistent and coherent leadership.

No challenge beyond reach

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Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong. Photo: VGP

“Working with various ministries, localities, and businesses recently, I’ve felt the most important achievement is the energized spirit that no challenge is too great for the Vietnamese people to overcome. No hardship will make us retreat, and no noble goal is beyond our reach,” Khuong said.

He attributed this success to three key qualities of the government, summed up as “3Qs”:

First, bravery (Quả cảm) – the courage to face crises head-on.
Second, decisiveness (Quyết liệt) – the commitment to follow through thoroughly.
Third, selflessness (Quên mình) – the willingness to serve without personal gain.

“These admirable qualities make me deeply moved and proud to tell my international colleagues that Vietnam has a leadership team with the caliber and determination needed for this era,” he stated.

Work wholeheartedly, not just for hours

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Dr. Bui Sy Loi. Photo: VGP

Dr. Bui Sy Loi, former Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Society, echoed the theme of resilience and breakthrough that defined the 2021–2025 term.

He highlighted the government’s effective alignment with the Party’s direction, namely pursuing economic growth in tandem with social progress and equity - two forces that, in his words, “mutually reinforce one another.”

Throughout the term, the government worked tirelessly to improve social welfare, ensuring universal access to quality public services such as healthcare, education, housing, clean water, and sanitation - faithfully implementing the spirit of Resolution 42 by the Party Central Committee.

Loi emphasized that the shift was not just about guaranteeing basic services, but enhancing their quality - marking a new phase in Vietnam’s social policy.

“This philosophy of linking economic growth with social progress has been very clearly and prominently executed over the past five years,” he said.

Commenting on the target of double-digit growth, Loi stressed that such ambition must rest on a strong social foundation.

He reiterated the Party’s principle that growth must be inclusive and human-centered, with justice and equity embedded in every policy. The future, he said, lies in green, innovative, and humane development, where human capital, digital technology, and a digital society are the key drivers of economic momentum.

A shift from management to development

Loi expressed hope that the government will continue moving from a management mindset to one focused on enabling and facilitating growth - a highlight of the 2021–2025 term.

“I hope the Prime Minister will continue to lead with the same hallmark style of the last five years: work wholeheartedly, not just by the clock; serve the people, not personal interest,” he said.

He believes that maintaining this approach will unleash national strength and make the double-digit growth target a realistic goal.

Thu Hang