Vietnam’s Era of National Rise: A Vision for the Future

Introduction to a Transformative Vision

The phrase “era of national rise” resonates powerfully in contemporary discourse, embodying a collective aspiration for growth and development. Vietnam is entering what is being termed “a new era of development,” sharply focused on the visions articulated by General Secretary To Lam. This momentum signals not just ambition but a strategic alignment with the nation’s reality, paving the way for Vietnam’s next chapter in national progress.

Historical Context and Aspirations

The essence of this new era draws inspiration from President Ho Chi Minh’s 80-year-old aspirations: “Will Vietnam become a beautiful nation? Will the Vietnamese people rise to stand alongside the world’s great powers?” These profound questions continue to fuel the national drive toward fulfillment of long-held dreams, creating a unified determination to turn vision into reality.

Key Milestones Leading to Change

On September 23, 2024, a pivotal moment occurred at Columbia University, where General Secretary To Lam introduced the concept of the “era of national rise” as a formal political vision. His remarks emphasized Vietnam’s readiness for a significant transition, marking a commitment to evolving into a new phase of development. This announcement laid the groundwork for the collective aspirations that would gain visual and tangible form in the months following.

The next day, during the 79th UN General Assembly’s “Summit of the Future,” To Lam further clarified Vietnam’s intentions on the global stage, positioning the nation as an active participant in shaping world progress.

High-level visits by To Lam to nations like Cuba, France, and Malaysia reinforced Vietnam’s commitment to this national rise. These diplomatic efforts underscored the importance of embedding this vision into both foreign policy and economic strategy.

Legislative Initiatives and Strategic Directions

Promptly addressing the need for legislative reform, To Lam’s speech at the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly on October 21, 2024, identified institutional bottlenecks as significant barriers to progress. He likened ineffective policies to a “bottleneck of bottlenecks,” underlining the necessity for strong leadership to guide Vietnam through its challenges.

Throughout the following months, To Lam delivered essential addresses at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, introducing seven strategic directions for Vietnam’s new era. This framework focused on policy reforms aimed at streamlining governance, enhancing digital transformation, and combating corruption, setting a vision for a more agile and transparent government.

Empowering the Intellectual Community

The discourse in this new era extended to Vietnam’s intellectual elite. On December 30, 2024, during a national conference, To Lam issued a stirring call to action: intellectuals and scientists must lead the charge in elevating Vietnam. He set ambitious goals for the next decade, aspiring to position Vietnam among the top three Southeast Asian nations in AI and elevate its digital competitiveness.

Pioneering a Scientific Revolution

On January 13, 2025, Vietnam conducted its first National Conference on Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in over 60 years. With unprecedented participation from nearly one million delegates, this conference heralded a new scientific revolution driven by innovation.

To Lam’s advocacy for a “Resolution 57” served as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the necessity of breaking down barriers and cultivating groundbreaking ideas. His inspiring message highlighted the importance of leveraging existing knowledge—“standing on the shoulders of giants”—to achieve noteworthy breakthroughs in science.

Transformative Policies and Strategic Shifts

The “era of national rise” signifies substantial transformations across governance and economic policy. Vietnam’s government is aggressively pursuing reforms with a focus on efficiency and innovation. These reforms include:

• Streamlined bureaucratic processes and public sector efficiency.
• Revitalization of two major national projects aimed at fostering economic growth, seeking double-digit GDP increases.
• Introduction of comprehensive “Science and Technology Policy,” reminiscent of historic agricultural reforms.
• Establishment of new regulations enhancing public order and fostering digital governance.

This proactive approach stresses the significance of seizing momentum during transformative periods—similar to past instances where nations experienced rapid industrialization, paving their way toward advancement.

A Historic Opportunity for Vietnam

The road ahead represents not only a commitment to political and economic reform but also an ambition to transition Vietnam from being a middle-income nation to a leading industrialized country. The convergence of technological advancements, particularly with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, presents Vietnam with a rare opportunity.

Vietnam stands at a critical juncture, equipped with a robust economic foundation, technological capability, and insightful political leadership. The challenge lies in fully harnessing this potential—the nation must act swiftly to capitalize on its position before it slips away.

Embracing Future Change

As Vietnam embarks on this defining journey, the ethos of the “era of national rise” persists as a clarion call for progress. With a resolve to dismantle stagnation, innovate, and embrace high-tech transformation, Vietnam is poised to rise to the occasion.

In this historic time, the choice before Vietnam is stark: to rise in harmony with the era or risk missing the significant opportunity that lies ahead.

Prof. Dr. Ho Si Quy
Member of the Central Theoretical Council – Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences