Vietnam’s top 10 events of 2012 selected by Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV)
1. Self-check, criticism and self-criticism, pursuant to the Party Central Committee’s 4th plenum resolution attracted the attention of staff, party members, and people nationwide.
This is a regular, long-term, and comprehensive task in Party building and relates to the vitality of the party and the existence of the regime. Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong said the Party’s experiences have proven that once the Party has recognized its mistakes and become determined to surmount them, its strength will increase because of improved public trust and support for the Party.
2. Many important issues were decided at the National Asembly's fourth session.
NA members gave opinions on the revision of the 1992 Constitution and draft land law, and adopted a resolution on votes of confidence on positions elected or appointed by the NA, or People’s Councils. This session was broadcast live and attracted public attention at home and abroad.
3. Vietnam’s economy maintained a GDP growth rate above 5% and an inflation rate below 7%.
This represents a great effort of the Party, the people, and the army, despite national economic difficulties, climate change, natural disasters, and global economic turmoil. The achievements are due to the restructuring of state-owned enterprises, the financial market, the banking system, and investments. The continued development of agricultural production contributed to stabilizing the national economy. Food output totaled 44 million tons for the year. Export revenues for agro-forestry and seafood products topped 25 billion USD, led by rice, coffee, and pepper for which Vietnam became the world’s top producer.
4. Border and island sovereignty protection became a concern of the entire Vietnamese nation.
Vietnam intends to protect its national sovereignty and integrity, settling disputes on the basis of respect for history and international law, and through negotiations that maintain regional and global peace and stability. Domestic and foreign scientists, researchers, and historians as well as private citizens, especially those living abroad, have provided additional historical materials and other evidence related to Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Archipelagos.
5. The Vietnam – Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year and the Vietnam – Cambodia Friendship Year were observed.
Many activities took place in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia through joint efforts to make each country more prosperous and ensure peace, stability, and development in Indochina. These initiatives included a series of high-level visits, economic and trade cooperation, as well as people-to-people, cultural and sport exchanges.
6. The number of accidents, traffic deaths, and injuries dropped during the 2012 National Traffic Safety Year which was launched on Radio the Voice of Vietnam.
Traffic accidents declined 17%, the number of fatalities and injuries fell 14% and 20% respectively. The result is attributed to drastic measures taken by the government, ministries, and provinces, and improved public awareness through mass media communications. Traffic accidents are still a major public concern. They cause unnecessary, tragic death and can leave behind devastating long-term consequences in the lives of victims and their community.
7. Many major national construction works were completed.
The Son La hydro-electric power plant, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, was inaugurated three years ahead of schedule. The 2,400 MW power plant has been built mostly with domestic resources and entirely designed and constructed by Vietnamese engineers, with professional foreign supervision. The early completion saved more than 1.9 billion USD for the state. Before that, Vietnam's second telecommunications satellite, VINASAT-2, was launched into orbit, Vietnam has begun construction of the Vietnam Space Center in Hanoi’s Hoa Lac High-Tech Park.
8. 2012 witnessed the national congresses of three major political – social organizations.
They were the National Congresses of the Women’s Union, the Youth Union, and the Vietnam War Veterans Association. Through these meetings, youth union members, war veterans, and women continued to assert their trust in the Party and the path to socialism.
9. UNESCO honored Hung Kings Veneration Ritual and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda’s woodblock.
Vietnam’s Hung Kings worshiping ritual in Phu Tho province and the collection of woodblocks in Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Bac Giang province, were recognized by UNESCO as the world’s intangible cultural heritage and a world Documentary Heritage. UNESCO’s honor encourages Vietnam to preserve its ancient tangible and intangible cultural heritages.
10. Vietnamese athletes come up empty handed at the 2012 London Olympics and AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Vietnamese Olympic team won no medals at the London Olympics while the national football team was bounced out of the AFF Cup in the qualifying rounds. This means there will be a lot of strategizing, investing, training, and developing of talented athletes for Vietnam to do in the near future.