Brian Jeffrey
Since his election as General Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee on August 3, 2024, General Secretary To Lam has initiated pivotal directives in multiple sectors.
In three notable articles – “Determination to Build a Strong Party, a Prosperous, Democratic, Equitable, and Civilized Vietnam” (August 4), “Digital Transformation – A Key Driver for Production Force Development” (September 2), and “Continuing to Innovate the Party’s Leadership” (September 16) – General Secretary To Lam consistently emphasized themes such as a “new beginning,” a “new era,” and what he calls the “era of rising for the Vietnamese nation.”
Recognizing both opportunities and challenges at local, regional, and global levels, the Party under General Secretary To Lam’s leadership declared: “The nation is at a historically significant moment, entering a new phase – an era of national advancement which demands a fundamental change in leadership approaches.”
This also reflects a crucial direction established during the 10th Central Committee meeting, as detailed in preparatory documents for the upcoming 14th National Party Congress.
To support Vietnam’s journey into this new chapter, VietNamNet has initiated the forum “New Era of the Nation,” designed to share articles, opinions, and insights from scholars, experts, and readers regarding the nation’s path towards advancement.
In several recent speeches, both domestically and internationally, General Secretary To Lam declared: “Vietnam is in a new historical phase, the era of the nation’s ascent.” This message is more than a proclamation; it signifies a determined commitment reaffirmed during the 10th Central Committee meeting.
VietNamNet spoke with Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang, Chairman of the Science and Training Council (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, to explore this topic further.
Q: The 13th National Party Congress aims for Vietnam to evolve into a developed, modern industrial nation with upper-middle income by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045. General Secretary To Lam mentioned: “Vietnam is at a new historical starting point, a new era – the era of the nation’s rise.” What insights do you have regarding this statement?
: The term “rising” indicates an action that surpasses normal, gradual progression. With General Secretary To Lam consistently stating “Vietnam is facing a new historical beginning,” it suggests the nation is entering a phase of rapid advancement while also confronting increased challenges.
I believe the General Secretary is conveying a strong call to action for both the Party and the populace, fostering a collective desire for development and encouraging everyone to tackle the challenges ahead.
The vision of a prosperous and flourishing nation has been a long-standing aspiration for the Vietnamese people. President Ho Chi Minh notably declared that the country’s future success relies significantly on the efforts of students.
Following over 30 years of Doi Moi (Renovation), the 13th National Congress has reiterated the importance of striving for a prosperous nation. The common spirit among the people is transforming, propelling the country towards a promising future, aligning with the General Secretary’s vision of entering a new phase. This shift reflects a natural progression throughout history.
Every grand achievement in history has relied on the strength of the people. Historical milestones are deeply connected to national unity, but the real challenge lies in effectively harnessing this power through effective leadership.
Q: The Party’s major objectives are in harmony with the aspirations of the entire nation. What strategic decisions should be made at the forthcoming 14th Party Congress to realize these goals?
: As preparations for the 14th Party Congress begin, I’ve witnessed the competence and ambition of selected senior officials, which gives me confidence in our direction.
In light of Vietnam’s rapid integration into the global economy, it is paramount to enhance management capabilities, particularly through digital transformation across various societal sectors. This approach fortifies national strength with technology, which we are vigorously pursuing.
It’s also essential to pinpoint key development areas. A successful trajectory necessitates concentrated investment in significant areas rather than a scattered approach. The 14th Congress will undoubtedly prioritize investment directions for the coming years.
The congress will develop an extensive five-year development strategy, fundamentally centered on human resources and talent strategy. As seen in other successful nations, the foresight in talent management has been vital to their achievements.
The wisdom of our ancestors rings true: “The talented are the lifeblood of the nation. When this lifeblood is strong, prosperity follows. When it falters, decline ensues.”
Talent should be recognized as a crucial asset, with the effectiveness of its utilization lying at the forefront of the Party’s responsibilities. The Party must evolve to channel determination into its leadership composition.
Q: General Secretary To Lam has stressed the importance of maximizing “self-reliance, self-confidence, self-resilience, and national pride.” What significance does this hold in today’s context?
A: I believe what the Vietnamese people currently need most is a sense of “self-confidence.” While pride is significant, overindulgence in past achievements can lead to complacency. Our pride should be founded on the accomplishments of our ancestors.
Self-confidence embodies the courage to pursue aspirations. It’s essential to differentiate between self-confidence and overconfidence, the latter being a false perception often stemming from a lack of self-awareness. Only by fostering genuine self-confidence can we accurately assess our strengths, transforming them into competitive advantages on the global stage.
True national strength isn’t achieved by merely mirroring others but requires us to carve our unique path, to be self-sufficient and resilient as we evolve.
As this new era of rising takes shape, the demands will necessitate meticulous preparations, leaving no margin for error. Our journey to becoming a prosperous nation alongside developed countries hinges on fostering national unity and nurturing effective leadership.
Tran Thuong
