Vietnam News Today (Apr. 29): People-to-people Exchange Deepens Vietnam-Cuba Special Friendship
	Vietnam News Today (Apr. 30): Grand Parade Marks 50 Years of Liberation of South and National Reunification

Hai Phong port. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam to become second-largest economy in Southeast Asia by 2036: CEBR

The Center for Economic and Business Research (CEBR), in its report “World Economic League Table 2022”, forecasts that Vietnam will become the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and the 20th-largest economy in the world by 2036.

The report pointed out that, as of 2021, Vietnam was estimated to have a purchasing power parity adjusted GDP per capita of 11,608 USD.

It said Vietnam's economic growth story has been nothing short of a miracle, with the doi moi reform in the mid-1980's, coupled with favorable global trends, enabling the nation to achieve rapid economic growth and propelling the country from a poor country to a lower-middle-class country, cited VNA.

Vietnam aspires to attain a high-income status by 2045. For this to happen, it must grow at an annual average rate of approximately 5 % per capita. Nonetheless, it faces key challenges on its path to becoming a high-income country. With global trade declining and its population aging, it needs to improve its policy implementation performance drastically, particularly in sectors that will be severely affected by automation and climate change.

Between 2021 and 2036, CEBR forecasts that the position of Vietnam in the World Economic League Table will improve considerably, with its ranking rising from 41st to 20th by 2036.

Vietnam’s 50-year reunification celebration grabs international headlines

Marking 50 years of Vietnam’s national reunification, international media outlets have simultaneously published articles and images capturing the vibrant atmosphere across the country, especially the grand celebration in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30.

They emphasize the profound historical significance of the event, as well as the country’s remarkable progress in development, reconciliation, and independent foreign policy over the past five decades.

The Times of India featured powerful images of the official commemorative ceremony and military parade in Ho Chi Minh City. Thousands of Vietnamese citizens and international visitors were seen wearing shirts with the red flag and gold star (the symbol of the national flag), joyfully celebrating in unison.

The UK’s Reuters highlighted the central message of the day, quoting General Secretary To Lam’s remarks “The Vietnamese Nation is one.” The article recalled the historic moment when the Liberation Flag was raised atop the Independence Palace at noon on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the war and the reunification of Vietnam.

Nicaragua’s Radio La Primerisima reported on the festive scenes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where citizens were “celebrating victory over a once-considered invincible army.” The report described the legendary Ho Chi Minh Campaign as not only the conclusion of one of the most brutal modern wars but also the beginning of Vietnam’s emergence as a unified, resilient, and developing Asian power.

Argentina’s Resumen Latinoamericano published an article titled “Vietnam: Yesterday, Today and Forever,” calling April 30, 1975, a milestone of global importance. It marked the culmination of more than a century of struggle against colonialism, neocolonialism, and imperialism. Vietnam, the article noted, is widely recognized for its courage, perseverance, solidarity, dignity, revolutionary spirit, and socialism under the leadership of the Communist Party, according to VOV.

Part of the impressive military parade in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30.

La Patrie News, an Algerian news site publishing in both French and Arabic, described the jubilant atmosphere throughout Vietnam. Streets were filled with people of all ages waving the national flag with smiles on their faces. Massive posters commemorating the historic victory adorned buildings and public spaces. The article emphasized that half a century after reunification, Vietnamese citizens take great pride in their history and look confidently toward a bright and prosperous future, with the nation steadily advancing in peace and global integration.

The online platforms of Pasaxon, the central organ of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, and Pathet Laos praised the great victory of 1975 as a culmination of Vietnam’s long resistance under the wise and visionary leadership of the Communist Party. According to the articles, the Spring Offensive, crowned by the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, was one of the greatest and most glorious achievements in the country’s millennia-long history of national construction and defense. It ushered Vietnam into a new era of independence, freedom, unity, peace, and sustainable development.

Vietnam, Algeria promote traditional relations

Do Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, received a delegation from the National Liberation Front (FLN) of Algeria, led by Politburo member Bensalem Mohamed, on the occasion of their participation in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30.

Chien welcomed the high-level FLN delegation to the celebration - an event of great significance not only to the Vietnamese people but also as an opportunity to express profound gratitude for the valuable support of international friends and peace-loving people around the world, including those from Algeria, for Vietnam’s national reunification and defense cause.

He highlighted the longstanding solidarity and mutual support between the two Parties and nations in their struggles for national liberation, as well as their shared aspiration for independence, prosperity, and happiness, regarding this a priceless asset that must be nurtured, strengthened, and passed onto future generations.

Mohamed conveyed the greetings of the FLN General Secretary to Party General Secretary To Lam, affirming that the victory of the Vietnamese people in the just struggle for national independence has always been an endless inspiration for generations of leaders and people of Algeria.

He asserted that the FLN always remembers the support of the Communist Party and the people of Vietnam in the struggle for national independence of Algeria, reported VNA.

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien (R) welcomes FLN Politburo member Bensalem Mohamed (Photo: VNA)

During the meeting, the two sides agreed to consolidate and promote traditional relations through promoting delegation exchanges to increase political trust, enhance mutual understanding, inherit and promote the good legacy in the bilateral relationship. As two political parties with long traditions, they agreed to increase the exchange of experiences in Party building, leadership, national management, personnel training and theoretical development suitable to the new context; and soon complete negotiations to sign a cooperation agreement between the two Parties.

The two sides agreed to continue to promote government and National Assembly agencies to exchange measures to strengthen and expand bilateral collaboration, especially in economy, trade, energy, and culture, thereby meeting the aspirations of the leaders and people of the two countries.

Vietnam and Cuba vow to deepen close bond, comprehensive cooperation

Vietnam and Cuba will deepen the special friendship, loyal solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples, while providing mutual support amid current international challenges.

The views were shared during a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30 between Party General Secretary To Lam and Salvador Valdes Mesa, Vice President of Cuba, who was on an official visit to Vietnam.

To Lam thanked the Cuban Party and State for sending a high-level delegation to Vietnam’s grand celebration on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country on April 30.

He reiterated Vietnam’s deep appreciation for Cuba’s profound and enduring solidarity during the country’s past struggle for national liberation and in its current development efforts. He emphasized that the special traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries is a priceless legacy that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.

The Vietnamese leader also recalled the sincere sentiments extended by the Cuban leadership and people during his state visit to Cuba in September 2024. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s solidarity with Cuba amid current challenges and its readiness to support the Cuban people within its capacity.

He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, the Cuban people would overcome difficulties and continue progressing in their socialist path, cited VOV.

Party General Secretary To Lam (R) and Salvador Valdes Mesa, Vice President of Cuba, during their meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30. (Photo: VNA)

Mesa conveyed warm greetings from First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President Miguel Díaz-Canel and General Raúl Castro to General Secretary To Lam and Vietnam’s leadership. He congratulated Vietnam on the successful commemoration of the historic reunification day, calling the April 30, 1975 victory a triumph of justice and peace that resonates globally, including among the Cuban people.

He remarked on the vibrant and celebratory atmosphere in Vietnam, noting the strong public confidence in the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He voiced belief that this unity is a vital foundation for Vietnam to achieve its goal of becoming a high-income, developed nation.

Mesa for his part praised Vietnam’s impressive development achievements and expressed his trust in the continued success of the policies and resolutions recently adopted by the Communist Party of Vietnam under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over the strengthening of the two countries’ traditional solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation. They highlighted ongoing collaboration in key sectors such as rice cultivation, fisheries, renewable energy, and biotechnology. They also discussed measures to further enhance bilateral economic cooperation in a substantive and effective manner, aiming to match the excellent political relations.

Vietnam’s national reunification lays groundwork for remarkable development

Vietnam’s national reunification laid the groundwork for the remarkable development, including in its international friendships, noted Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam Kees van Baar.

Kees van Baar expressed his honor to join in the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of liberation of South and national reunification. This historic event marked the end of a difficult period and the beginning of a new era of peace and national development.

"Living and working here, I witness every day how Vietnam has transformed itself into a vibrant, peaceful, and forward-looking country. Having first-hand experienced the realities of ongoing conflict elsewhere in the world, I appreciate deeply how precious peace, freedom, and prosperity are; and how much they must be cherished and safeguarded", shared the diplomat.

The Netherlands has long admired Vietnam's resilience and determination. As a friend of Vietnam, the Netherlands shares in the pride of this achievement and in the optimism for an even brighter future.

"This occasion reminds us how far Vietnam has come and how much potential lies ahead, with trusted partners like the Netherlands standing alongside", told Kees van Baar.

Fifty years ago, as Vietnam achieved national reunification, the Netherlands, like many others, closely observed the profound changes taking place. Although geographically distant, the Dutch people felt a deep empathy for the struggles and aspirations of the Vietnamese people.

The relationship between Vietnam and the Netherlands has grown steadily from development cooperation to a strong partnership in trade, investment, and innovation, VGP reported.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Viet Nam Kees van Baar joins the atmosphere in Ho Chi Minh City commemorating the 50th anniversary of liberation of South and national reunification.

Both countries share common values such as respect for the international Rule of Law, multilateralism and a commitment to free trade.

"Today, the Netherlands is Vietnam's largest European investment and trading partner, and we proudly support Vietnam's ambitions for a high-tech, green, and just economy. Our cooperation, which brings together governments, businesses, knowledge institutions, and non-governmental organizations-a model we call the Dutch Diamond-reflects the deep trust and mutual respect that have characterized our friendship over the past decades. The progress and strength of our relationship are a tribute to the spirit of partnership that both countries embraced, even in those historic early days", the Ambassador highlighted.

Important moment in Vietnam's history

According to Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird, this is an important moment in Vietnam's history, marking the 50th anniversary of the nation's reunification.

"As we mark this historic anniversary, it is an opportunity to reflect on how far Vietnam has come as a country in the past 50 years", she noted.

Vietnam's transformation over the past 50 years, into one of the fastest-growing economies in the region and a major hub for manufacturing and investment, has been remarkable. This is testament to the value of peace and to the determination and drive of the Vietnamese government and people, as they have pursued development and prosperity for their country.

"Australia is proud of the partnership we have built with Vietnam since we became one of the first industrialized nations to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1973", stressed the diplomat.

The evolution of the Australia-Vietnam relationship over the past 50 years has been extraordinary. The relationship with Vietnam is important to Australia and both sides are both committed to further deepening ties through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Australia is a steadfast, reliable, and trusted friend of Vietnam, shared Bird.

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