VOV President Nguyen The Ky.

Dear listeners and overseas Vietnamese,

From Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I would like to extend my warmest greetings and wishes to all of you for a new year 2018 full of health, happiness and success. May humankind live joyfully in peace, friendship, cooperation, and development!

In 2017, Vietnam made an all-out effort to boost its renewal process, from politics, economics, culture, and social affairs to defense, security, and diplomacy. All 13 important targets set by the National Assembly were met, the macro-economy was stable, GDP grew 6.81%, and more than 127,000 new businesses were established. In the past year, Vietnam attracted nearly 30 billion USD in foreign direct investment, enjoyed a trade surplus of 2.7 billion USD, and welcomed more than 13 million foreign visitors. Forex reserves hit 51.1 billion USD and inflation was kept at 3.53%. Vietnam’s competitiveness jumped 5 places to rank 55th among 137 countries and territories. Human rights continued to be respected, and efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain peace were enhanced.

A number of important events were celebrated including the 70th anniversary of War Martyrs and Invalids’ Day, the 100th anniversary of Russia’s October Revolution, the 45th anniversary of the “Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory, Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year, and Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year.  

Bai Choi and Xoan singing were recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity while the national sport team finished third with 59 gold medals at the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia. 

The successful hosting of the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders’ Meeting highlighted Vietnam’s role as an active and responsible member of the international community and its contributions to peace, cooperation, and prosperity in the region.    

Vietnam has continued to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with many countries and international organizations. Free trade agreements between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union and the Republic of Korea have contributed significantly to bilateral ties. Vietnam has extensively engaged in building the ASEAN community and improved relations with neighboring countries like Laos and Cambodia and world powers like China, the US, Russia, Japan, and India.

The bonds between Vietnam and overseas Vietnamese have been ever closer. The overseas Vietnamese community will forever be an integral part of the nation.

As a leading media agency of the Government and people, the Voice of Vietnam, particularly VOVWORLD, is proud to be a durable bridge between Vietnam, the world, and overseas Vietnamese.

The Voice of Vietnam would like to express our sincere thanks to foreign audiences and overseas Vietnamese for continuing to tune in to our broadcast and giving feedback to help us improve our services.

Your support has been an endless source of encouragement for us to work harder to live up to your expectations and continue to be your close and trusted friend.

May the new year 2018 bring you luck, happiness, and success!