(VOVworld) – Spring has arrived, promising a new year of hope and growth for Vietnam. With its achievements last year, Vietnam is confident to reap further success in 2014.

Vietnam approved the revised Constitution last year. This was part of the country’s efforts to fine tune its institutions, creating the impetus for higher growth. A number of major policies were put in place to restore the economy. The macro-economy was maintained, inflation contained and social security ensured. Vietnam’s GDP growth rate was 5.42% and its export turnover reached 132.3 billion USD. The country attracted 21.6 billion USD in foreign investment. Vietnam has been making the most of its internal strength to restructure the economy, reduce poverty, support business production, build new rural areas, ensure social security, and fight corruption and wastefulness. Vietnam has for the first time become a member of the UN Human Rights Council, UNESCO World Heritage Committee and the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency. This demonstrates Vietnam’s improved integration into the global community. Vietnam’s achievements are largely thanks to its efforts at reform while promoting democracy and implementing a market economy mechanism.

Vietnam’s success in 2013 gives the country the confidence to enter 2014, which is predicted to offer both challenges and opportunities. This year, Vietnam will carry out medium and long-term socio-economic development plans to lay the foundation for rapid and sustainable growth. Vietnam will continue to build a state governed by law, promote democracy, finalize the socialist-oriented market economy institution, and restructure agriculture alongside new rural development. Vietnam expects to achieve a GDP growth rate of 5.8%, a per capita income of 2.100 USD and a 10% increase in export revenues. To this end, Vietnam needs to revise several laws to enforce the Constitution, enhance people’s right to mastery, and solidify the socialist-oriented market economy.

Vietnam is just beginning its membership on the UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The entire political system is now engaged in implementing the constitution. Goods are ready to be shipped abroad and construction sites are busy these days. A popular festival called “going to the field”, which marks the beginning of the spring farming season will take place shortly.