A number of foreign experts have praised Vietnam for its success obtained in national development and international integration, as the Communist Party of Vietnam is holding its 13th national congress to outline major directions for the country in the coming years.

Prof. Thomas Engelbert, head of the Vietnam studies faculty at the University of Hamburg (Germany), noted Vietnam has recorded significant economic success, transforming from a backward agriculture nation to one of the most successful emerging economies globally.

In addition, he said Vietnam has recorded impressive development indexes, including a sharp fall in poverty reduction, helping raise per capita income. These achievements can be put down to the government’s free trade policies and a general openness to foreign investors, Prof. Engelbert added.

With the country successfully taking on the role of ASEAN Chair 2020, its position and reputation  have been elevated regionally. It is currently a strategic partner of several Asian and Western countries in many fields, including the United States and the European Union.

In addition, Vietnam has enjoyed initial success in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, while many countries worldwide are struggling to cope with the disease.

Vietnam should be proud of its COVID-19 fight, said the expert. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Muller, ASEAN Regional Manager of the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV), expressed his belief that Vietnam will continue to benefit from uninterrupted economic development following the successful COVID-19 control.

The two German experts also suggested that the country develop its own technology to reduce dependence on foreign investors.

Vietnamese enterprises should look to take advantage of free trade agreements (FTAs) whilst improving infrastructure in order to catch up with the world’s economic development trends, they said.

According to the website Foreign Brief of the United States, one of the main concerns regarding the ongoing congress is whether Vietnam can embrace its emerging middle power status in its next 10-year agenda. Indeed, middle powers are typically defined by two criteria, including achieving rapid economic development and leveraging growing influence in order to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries.

The country already has one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, whilst it has expanded its role in promoting ASEAN-led platforms for negotiations among major powers, the US website added.