Brian Jeffrey
The term “national rise” is frequently encountered in discussions around development.
Currently, the notion of “a new era of development, specifically Vietnam’s era of national rise,” is gaining traction, particularly under the vision and leadership of General Secretary To Lam.
This signifies a pivotal transformation that embodies a blend of realism and aspiration, marrying optimism with strategic foresight as Vietnam gears up for its next growth phase.
This initiative aims to realize the vision articulated by President Ho Chi Minh 80 years prior:
“Will Vietnam emerge as a beautiful country? Will the Vietnamese people stand as equals among the world’s great nations?”
This inquiry now resonates profoundly, igniting a collective drive to transform aspirations into tangible achievements.
Significant milestones heralding a new era
On September 23, 2024, speaking at Columbia University, General Secretary To Lam proclaimed:
“After close to 80 years of building the nation and nearly 40 years of reform, under the thorough guidance of the Communist Party, Vietnam stands on the brink of a historic transformation – ushering in the Era of the Nation’s Rise.”
This declaration was the inaugural introduction of the “era of national rise” as a political vision, indicating Vietnam’s dedication to a new developmental phase.
The following day, during the 79th UN General Assembly “Summit of the Future,” he outlined Vietnam’s ambitions within “The Grand Orchestration of Our Era,” positioning the country as a key contributor to global progress.
High-profile visits to Cuba, Mongolia, Ireland, France, and Malaysia emphasized this vision, ensuring that “Vietnam’s national rise” becomes a foundational element of its foreign relations and economic policy.
On October 21, 2024, at the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly, To Lam reiterated the urgent need for legislative reforms to overcome institutional hurdles that impeded national progress.
“Among the three primary obstacles to growth, institutional issues are the ‘bottleneck of bottlenecks.’ Without clear vision and decisive leadership, flawed policies could hinder national development,” he cautioned.
To further reinforce this vision, To Lam delivered pivotal speeches at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics – first on October 31, 2024, to soon-to-be Central Committee members, and again on November 25, 2024, where he detailed seven strategic approaches for Vietnam’s new growth era.
He discussed policy reforms that aim to enhance government efficiency, promote digital advancements, and strengthen anti-corruption strategies, paving the way for a more responsive and transparent governance structure.
On December 30, 2024, at a national assembly with top intellectuals and researchers, he urged:
“In this era of national rise, our scholars and scientists must lead—the pivotal force capable of propelling Vietnam forward.”
He set forth ambitious goals:
By 2030, Vietnam is expected to rank among the top three Southeast Asian nations in artificial intelligence research, within the top 50 globally for digital competitiveness and e-government, and be home to at least five world-class tech companies.
By 2045, the aim is for Vietnam to emerge as a leading digital technology center regionally and globally, within the top 30 for innovation and digital transformation.
On January 13, 2025, Vietnam hosted its first National Conference on Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in over 60 years, welcoming nearly one million attendees both in person and virtually.
General Secretary To Lam shared a vision for a scientific revolution in Vietnam, endorsing a “Resolution 57” that would catalyze the liberation of scientific thought and attract global talent, including Vietnamese experts from abroad.
His message was unequivocal:
“Innovation must transcend traditional barriers to generate breakthroughs. We should capitalize on the expertise of those who came before us.”
The “era of national rise” extends beyond a mere political slogan.
It signifies a strategic transition in governance, economic strategies, and technological ambitions, characterized by significant reforms, institutional redesign, and robust investments in high-tech sectors.
Key policy changes include:
A government-wide initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency, encompassing the reduction of bureaucracy and the downsizing of public sectors.
The revival of two pivotal national initiatives designed to stimulate economic growth and propel Vietnam towards double-digit GDP growth.
A transformative “Science and Technology Policy” similar to the historic “Khoan 10” agricultural reform, focused on unlocking research and development capabilities.
The introduction of new regulations for public order and digital governance, including Decree 168 for traffic safety.
This proactive approach mirrors pivotal moments in history when countries have experienced “take-off phases,” a term that describes the rapid industrialization of nations successfully evolving from developing to advanced economies.
For Vietnam, this is a unique opportunity.
The “era of national rise” encapsulates:
A robust political determination to overcome stagnation and unleash Vietnam’s full capabilities.
A pledge towards institutional innovations aimed at dismantling growth barriers.
A concentration on high-tech advancements, ensuring Vietnam transitions from middle-income to leading industrialized status.
Vietnam stands at a pivotal juncture.
The nation possesses the economic groundwork, technological drive, human capital, and political guidance necessary for ascension – but the moment to act is now.
With the Fourth Industrial Revolution, advancements in AI, and global supply chain shifts, Vietnam has a rare opportunity to leap ahead rather than follow the conventional route of steady development.
In this critical juncture, the choice is evident: “We either ascend with this era – or we risk letting this precious opportunity slip away.”
Member of the Central Theoretical Council – Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences
