NA Deputy: Steadfast in a century-long vision – Elevating Vietnam’s position in a changing world
WVR - It can be said that “steadfast in the two strategic 100-year goals” is not just a development orientation, but a strategic declaration of Vietnam in this new era.
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| General Secretary To Lam delivered the closing speech at the 2nd Conference of the 14th Central Committee of the Party. (Photo: Duc Tuan) |
In his closing speech at the 2nd Plenum of the 14th Party Central Committee, General Secretary To Lam emphasized the overarching action motto, where the requirement to “be steadfast in the two strategic 100-year goals” is placed at the center.
This message is not only a domestic development orientation but also carries profound significance in shaping Vietnam's position in the restructuring international order, where strategic acumen, self-reliance, and national soft power increasingly become decisive factors.
Maintaining vision in a world of turbulence
In the current international context, where power relations are being reshaped, global supply chains are continuously restructuring, technological competition is intensifying, and non-traditional security challenges are increasingly emerging, a nation wishing to develop sustainably needs not only resources but also a strategic vision that is both long and robust.
Thus, General Secretary To Lam's emphasis on the requirement to “be steadfast in the two strategic 100-year goals” is not only of intrinsic significance but also an important foreign message: Vietnam chooses a path of stable, consistent development with a long-term vision and the ability to adapt flexibly to a changing international environment.
The two strategic 100-year goals – by 2030 and 2045 – are not merely economic targets. They affirm a clear development roadmap, a strong political commitment, and a national aspiration shaped in the long term. In a context where many countries are adjusting their development strategies due to unexpected global changes, Vietnam's ability to maintain a long-term vision is a significant strategic advantage. It helps build trust with international partners, reinforcing the image of a stable, reliable, and responsible nation.
From a foreign perspective, steadfastness in a century-long vision is also the foundation for Vietnam to effectively implement an independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy. With clearly established development goals, Vietnam can be more proactive in choosing partners, expanding cooperation, participating more deeply in regional and global mechanisms, while maintaining strategic balance in relations with major countries. This is the manifestation of a nation not swept away by temporary currents but capable of shaping its position in a changing international order.
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| National Assembly Delegate Bui Hoai Son. (Photo: NVCC) |
From strategic steadfastness to enhancing national capacity
However, being steadfast in vision does not mean being conservative or slow to innovate. On the contrary, in the mindset emphasized by General Secretary To Lam, steadfastness is to provide a solid foundation for more vigorous innovation.
This is clearly reflected in setting high economic growth targets accompanied by strict principles of quality, sustainability, and efficiency.
A nation wishing to enhance its international position cannot rely solely on economic scale but needs a high-quality economy with competitive capacity and resilience to external shocks.
Therefore, the requirement for “double-digit” growth is not to chase achievements but to create a leap in national capacity. However, this leap must be guided by clear principles: substantive growth, macroeconomic stability, effective resource utilization, and especially towards improving people's living standards.
In the context of increasingly fierce international competition, national capacity is measured not only by GDP but also by institutional quality, scientific and technological level, innovation capacity, and cultural soft power. These are the factors that determine the ability to deeply participate in global value chains, attract high-quality investment, and enhance national position.
For Vietnam, being steadfast in the century-long goals means accelerating the transformation of the development model towards knowledge, technology, and creativity. This is not only an economic requirement but also a strategic one. In today's world, nations with high innovation capacity will have a superior advantage in international competition. At the same time, this is also how Vietnam avoids the "middle-income trap", enhances added value, and asserts its position in the global value chain.
A notable point in the new development mindset is that culture is not only viewed as a sector but as a resource. A nation with a distinct cultural identity, capable of spreading values, and having a positive image in the eyes of international friends will have a significant advantage in building soft power. This is particularly important for Vietnam – a country with a long history, rich culture, and increasingly deep integration with the world.
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| Politburo Member, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung speaking at the first strategic dialogue mechanism 3+3 at the ministerial level between Vietnam and China. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Confident, proactive, effective
In the context of globalization and deeper international integration, steadfastness in a century-long vision is not about retreating but about opening up proactively and selectively. With a clear development strategy, Vietnam can participate in international cooperation processes with more confidence, proactivity, and effectiveness.
Being steadfast in long-term development goals also helps Vietnam elevate its role in multilateral mechanisms. In recent years, Vietnam has increasingly demonstrated a positive and responsible role in international organizations, from ASEAN to the United Nations. These contributions not only enhance national prestige but also create conditions for Vietnam to participate more deeply in the process of building international rules.
At the same time, steadfastness in a century-long vision is also the foundation for Vietnam to promote regional and global cooperation initiatives, especially in new areas such as digital transformation, green economy, and climate change response. In these fields, Vietnam is not only a participant but can become a proactive partner, contributing solutions and sharing experiences.
A very important point in General Secretary To Lam's message is placing people at the center of development. This has significance not only domestically but also in foreign relations. A nation that develops for its people, for the happiness of its citizens, will have a more positive image, creating empathy and trust in international relations. This is the foundation for building a sustainable national position.
In today's world, where nations compete not only in economics but also in development models, values, and the ability to create a livable society, Vietnam's steadfastness in a humane, inclusive, and sustainable development model is an advantage. It helps Vietnam not only develop faster but also develop in its unique way, a development linked to people, culture, and international responsibility.
It can be said that “steadfast in the two strategic 100-year goals” is not just a development orientation, but a strategic declaration of Vietnam in this new era. It is an affirmation of a clear development path, a long-term vision, and a strong determination. In a world full of changes, this steadfastness will help Vietnam maintain direction, seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and gradually elevate its position on the international stage.
And when this vision is combined with effective execution capacity, with reinforced endogenous strength, and with a proactive integration strategy, Vietnam has every basis to realize the aspiration of becoming a developed nation with an increasingly important position and voice in the international community.
