2018 spotlights: Top 10 outstanding socio-economic events of VN

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was elected by the National Assembly as the State President of Viet Nam on October 23, 2018

2018 – another special year

Highlights of economic indicators in 2018 

Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong elected as State President 

On October 23, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was elected by the National Assembly as the State President of Viet Nam. 

Since 1945, only State President Ho Chi Minh held the two positions at the same time. 

All 12 socio-economic criteria fulfilled 

Viet Nam accomplished all 12 socio-economic criteria set by the National Assembly, including the GDP growth of 7.08%, trade surplus of US$7.2 billion, foreign direct investment disbursement of US$19 billion, more than 131,000 newly-established enterprises and number of foreign arrivals reaching 15.5 million ones. 

This is also the third successive year the inflation rate was controlled under 4%. The foreign reserves set a record of US$63.5 billion. 

Re-organization of Ministry of Public Security

The Political Bureau issued Resolution No.22-NQ/TW on March 15th 2018 by on renovating and streamlining the Ministry of Public Security apparatus for more efficiency and effectiveness.

On August 6, the PM signed Decree No. 01-NĐ-CP stipulating the function, tasks, rights and organization of the Ministry of Public Security. 

Accordingly, the ministry has reduced six general departments, 60 intermediate-level departments and 800 sub-divisions at both central and local levels.  

Anti-corruption works enhanced 

A number of large-scale corruption cases in fields of petrol, banking, land management and public assets as well as corruption cases in some sectors and localities have been brought to lights. 

According to Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong, more than 60 cadres under direct management of the Party Central Committee have been disciplined since 2016 in a bid to restore public trust in the Party’s leadership.

Resolution issued to turn VN into strong sea-based nation

Resolution 36-NQ/TW, issued by the 12th Party Central Committee on October 22, with a vision through 2045, aims to turn Viet Nam into a strong sea-based nation with sustainable development, prosperity, security and safety and marine economic activities greatly contributing to the national economy. 

It is expected that by 2030, marine economic sector will contribute to about 10% of the country’s total GDP. The resolution also looks to increase the country’s engagement in the settlement of sea-related issues in the region and the world.

The World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN) was organized in Ha Noi from September 11-13, 2018.

Successful organization of WEF ASEAN

The World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN) was organized in Ha Noi from September 11-13, which is regarded as the largest multi-lateral event held in Viet Nam in 2018. 

With the theme “ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, the event attracted the participation of leaders from ASEAN and the region, international organizations and nearly 1,000 leaders of leading corporations in ASEAN and the world. 

During the 60 discussions, interactions have been conducted effectively between startups and researchers. The success of the organization work was also demonstrated through the suitable arrangement of activities along with good logistics work and ensured security.

National Assembly approves CPTPP

On November 12, the National Assembly ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and other related documents. 

Specialists supposed that the CPTPP will bring a number of opportunities in terms of market, preferentiality, export structure and integration potentials for Viet Nam. The nation’s GDP and export growths may witness respective increases of 1.32% and 4.04% till 2035. 

The CPTPP has been ratified by seven country members and will come into effect at the end of December, 2018. 

More efforts in simplifying business conditions, enhancing administrative procedure reform 

Under Resolution No 01/NQ-CP in 2018, the Government asked for basic improvement and strong change of indicators of the business climate, as well as a 50% cut in the number of business conditions.

According to the latest information of the General Department of Customs, as of December 24, as many as 145 administrative procedures of ministries and agencies have been connected to the National Single Window (NSW).

A total number of procedures connected to the NSW reached 98 ones in 2018 while the figure only attained 47 ones from 2017 backwards.

Vietnamese footballers wins the trophy of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018

Vietnamese footballers have gained a number of achievements in the regional arena: Winning the trophy of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018, coming second at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U23 Championship, and entering the semi-finals of the Asian Games (ASIAD) for the first time. 

First VN’s field hospital joins UN peacekeeping mission

On October 1, Viet Nam deployed a level-2 field hospital with 63 staff members to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. 

Earlier, 29 Vietnamese officers had performed peacekeeping tasks in the Central African Republic and South Sudan. These moves demonstrated Viet Nam’s sense of responsibility in activities of the UN.

By Thuy Dung