Russian Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko: Vietnam enters the 14th National Party Congress with a 'rising spirit'
WVR - In an interview with The World and Vietnam Report, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko affirmed that Vietnam enters the 14th National Party Congress with a 'rising' spirit. Vietnam has established a solid foundation to make breakthroughs in the next five-year term.
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| Vietnam enters the 14th Party Congress with high determination to realize the aspiration for a new era of development. |
Could you share impressions of the atmosphere at the 14th Nationan Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, particularly the high spirit and determination of the entire Party and people in realizing the aspiration to bring the country into a new era of development?
It is evident that your country enters the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam with a "rising" spirit. This position is clearly reflected in the socio-economic development indicators. We can clearly see that in the past five-year term, GDP and citizens' incomes have grown at a high rate; foreign investment and technology inflows have been maintained steadily; transportation infrastructure has been modernized; and a large-scale administrative reform has been implemented. We are pleased with the achievements of the Vietnamese people under the leadership of the Communist Party.
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| Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko. (Source: VNA) |
Vietnam has achieved these accomplishments in the context of facing challenges and difficulties similar to many other countries in the early years of this decade, including the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters. Vietnam has made efforts to overcome these challenges. The clearest evidence is the maintenance of political and social stability, sustainable economic growth, and progress in social sectors.
Towards the central event of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vietnam has established a solid foundation. This foundation allows the Party to set ambitious goals for the future, determine strategic directions, and reach new horizons of development. On this occasion, I wish the people and leaders of Vietnam success in implementing the plans set forth.
In the new era of development, Vietnam will particularly focus on a new growth model, where science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation are considered key drivers, with the private economy identified as one of the important drivers of the economy. How do you assess the changes in Vietnam's strategic thinking and expectations for the country's development in the new phase?
We witness the continuous development in key areas of Vietnam's social life. This process unfolds right before our eyes and is reflected not only in the application of high technology, digitization, improvement of urban environmental standards, and quality of life, but also in the innovation in thinking and approach to future development.
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| On January 15, 2026, during the meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko expressed keen interest in following the 14th National Party Congress. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
I am confident that the adoption of strategic documents on the application of advanced scientific and technological achievements, innovation, and digital solutions will lay the groundwork for the next step forward. In the near future, it is entirely feasible to plan for a shift from an extensive growth model to accelerated modernization of basic industries, improving quality of life, as well as seeking appropriate solutions to overcome urgent challenges such as environmental pollution and traffic congestion in major urban centers.
The ongoing transformations are the result of continuing the directions set by the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, of the effort to shift from a "catch-up development" mindset to "leapfrog development", based on modernization, independence, and self-reliance, while ensuring national interests align with global development trends, and considering the challenges and risks of the era. Of course, this requires Vietnam to mobilize all resources of the state and society. We wish Vietnam success in fulfilling the tasks set forth.
On Vietnam's development path, how do you assess the potential for cooperation between the two countries in key areas such as economy, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation?
In the current context, digitization of economic activities and expansion of innovation applications are becoming key drivers of growth. Effectively harnessing scientific and technological achievements has helped Vietnam emerge as one of the dynamic economies in the region and the world.
On this basis, we particularly value promoting cooperation with Vietnam in this direction, especially in high-tech fields. The two countries have a natural complementarity, where Russia's experience and knowledge can support Vietnamese partners in effectively adapting to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Currently, ministries, sectors, and trade organizations of both sides are enhancing coordination to implement "smart cities", "one-stop" public service delivery mechanisms, ensure data security, and apply digital solutions in transportation and industry.
Let me give an example. In Russia, the "Gosuslugi" electronic system is effectively operating, allowing Russian citizens to quickly resolve issues online, from obtaining a driver's license to registering a child's birth. I understand that Vietnam has also implemented a similar system. However, I believe we still have much experience to share with our Vietnamese friends.
The year 2026 is the "Year of Russian-Vietnamese Science and Education". I am confident that the implementation of activities within this program will make a practical contribution not only to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries but also to the progressive development of each nation.
Thank you very much, Ambassador!
