VNHNO - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse hosted a banquet for ambassadors, charge d’affaires and heads of international organisations in Hanoi on August 30 on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).
Following is the full text of the remarks.
Distinguished leaders of the Party and State,
Excellency Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Excellencies Ambassadors, Chargé d’Affaires, Heads of international organizations in Hanoi,
Distinguished guests,
Dear friends,
On behalf of the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all distinguished comrades, guests and friends to the reception celebrating the 73rd National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addressing the banquet. Photo: VGP
We are now enjoying the autumn of Hanoi, beneath an indigo sky and gentle warmth of the sun, in tranquil streets under shades of green. Let us all take a moment to recall the heroic revolutionary autumn of 73 years ago. On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, proclaimed the Declaration of Independence in Hanoi, announcing the birth of the then Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. From this historic moment, “bathed in the color of our autumn’s banner”, a new chapter has opened in the valiant history of our nation.
Over the last seven decades, Independence – Freedom – Happiness have always been the ardent desire of the Vietnamese people and a source of great encouragement for all to overcome hardships and adversity. Under a red field and gold star banner, we have joined hands and marched forward, striving for national independence, development, prosperity and happiness for all, while contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Vietnam always strives to be a good friend, a trusted partner within the international community, an equal partner collaborating on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation. In recent years, Vietnam has successfully hosted many important international events, thus contributing to regional integration, such as the APEC Year of 2017 or the Greater Mekong Sub-region Summit (GMS) in March 2018.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The world is undergoing incredibly rapid changes, opening up many opportunities for cooperation and development. The major trends in international relations are still peace and cooperation, yet traditional and non-traditional challenges, protectionism, trade wars among major economies are ever present. The fourth Industrial Revolution, and the spread of digital economy have deeply impacted nations and Vietnam.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Vietnam is focusing its effort to “cultivate”a favorable environment for development and is determined to "act" in that spirit of service to businesses and people, whose satisfaction will be the bar for our effectiveness.
In order to maintain the robust economic growth of 2016 and 2017, strong administrative measures have been undertaken. In the first 6 months of 2018, Vietnam’s GDP has increased by 7.08%, the highest observed since 2010. During the first 8 months, trade have reached US$300 billion, a 14% increase; and FDI levels have reached nearly US$25 billion. We also received over 10.4 million international visitors, a 22.8% increase, while inflation has also remained low. We are determined to maintain socio-economic stability, striving for GDP growth of 6.7%.
Our efforts have been supported and well received by the international community. On June 14, the WB forecasted Vietnam's 2018 GDP growth to be 6.8%. On July 20, the ADB gave its forecast of 7.1% (while the average for the Southeast Asia region is only 5.2%). On May 15, 2018, Fitch upgraded Vietnam's sovereign credit rating to positively stable. On July 10, 2018, according to the UN's agency on intellectual property WIPO, Vietnam's GII innovative index in 2017 stands at 45/126.
As part of efforts geared toward the Sustainable Development Goals in the medium and long term, Vietnam is stepping up its international integration efforts. We are currently in the process of ratifying the CPTPP and working with the EU to conclude and sign the EVFTA by the end of 2018, and stepping up RCEP negotiations.
In Vietnam, you will see a pervasive air of openness, of enthusiasm and confidence in our people, businesses, investors within and outside the country.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The bright future of Vietnam is linked to peace, stability and shared prosperity of the region and the world. Vietnam has always strived to integrate with the international community; worked with the international community to dialogue and cooperate on the basis of respect for other countries’ independence and sovereignty, equality, mutual benefits, and respect for international law. We view these principles as the foundation and the most effective means for ensuring the legitimate interests of all countries.
Vietnam is currently working with fellow member states to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, to build a united, strong, developed and prosperous community, and strengthen the role of ASEAN’s centrality in the regional architecture.
Currently, Vietnam is making active preparations to successfully host the World Economic Forum - ASEAN 2018 (WEF-ASEAN), which will take place from 11 to 13 September under the theme of “Entrepreneurship and the 4th Industrial Revolution”. This event will be attended by high-level leaders of many countries, including ASEAN top leaders, as well as leaders of nearly 1000 businesses in the ASEAN region and the world.
On this occasion, on behalf of the Party, State, Government and People of Vietnam, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Governments and people of all countries, international partners and friends and hope to continue to receive, your warm affection, valuable support and effective cooperation.
I greatly appreciate the important role played by our Ambassadors, Chargés d’affaires and Heads of international organizations here; and believe that you will make greater contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and friends and partners the world.
In this cordial and warm atmosphere, sharing in the joy of all Vietnamese people on the occasion of this National Day, let us raise our glasses:
To peace, stability and prosperity in the world!
To the happiness and prosperity of the Vietnamese people!
To the ever enduring and fruitful friendship and cooperation for development between Vietnam and all nations and international organizations!
