 (Illustrative image: VGP) |
The principle of “strategic autonomy, self-strength, confidence, and a strong advance into a new era” reflects the core value system and guidelines set out by the Communist Party of Vietnam to steer the country proactively, confidently, and sustainably into a new phase of development.
Confidence and autonomy
Reviewing Vietnam’s implementation of key tasks during the 13th National Party Congress term, particularly under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Associate Professor Dr. Vu Thanh Huong, Vice Dean of the Faculty of International Economics and Business at the University of Economics, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said Vietnam’s strong agriculture is the main pillar, ensuring food self-sufficiency. With industrial growth momentum through industrial zones and clusters, local production of essential goods, and proactive export activities, Vietnam achieved its dual goal of controlling the pandemic while rapidly restoring and developing the economy post-COVID. This achievement is highlighted in the Draft Political Report to the 14th National Party Congress.
 Associate Professor Dr. Vu Thanh Huong, Vice Dean of the Faculty of International Economics and Business at the University of Economics, Vietnam National University, Hanoi |
Huong said: "The spirit of self-reliance and resilience has been a thread running through Vietnam’s heroic history. The Vietnamese nation has overcome countless hardships and challenges to survive, develop, and rise with steadfast willpower and enduring autonomy."
According to Dr. Huong, in an era of international integration, autonomy must be complemented by a global perspective and strong resolve in a volatile world. “Every citizen, business, and sector must adopt global thinking and an integration capacity, and be confident enough to absorb the essence of world cultures and creatively apply them to developing the national economy,” she said.
Strategic autonomy
To achieve strategic autonomy, Dr. Huong stressed the need to focus on three key priorities in the coming term.
"First, developing domestic production capacity, mastering technology, and upgrading value chains are of critical importance, as these are the pathways to integration without dependence. Second, technological mastery is essential, since technology underpins innovation. By embedding technology and innovation into products, Vietnam can increase their added value in global markets, thereby boosting profits and improving incomes for workers engaged in export-oriented sectors. Third, upgrading value chains is not just about moving to higher stages within them, it also involves adjusting growth models to ensure sustainability and competitiveness." said Dr. Huong.
To enhance economic self-reliance and international economic integration, economist Dr. Le Duy Binh emphasized self-reliance across all sectors – industry, agriculture, and services – by every enterprise and citizen. People must be placed at the center, and the private sector must become the primary driving force of the economy. Maintaining macroeconomic stability and safeguarding major economic balances are also essential. Only then can Vietnam remain autonomous and resilient in the face of external shocks.
 Economist, Dr. Le Duy Binh (Photo: diendandoanhnghiep.vn) |
Mr. Binh said: "From a broader perspective, self-reliance and resilience must begin with ensuring macroeconomic autonomy, with particular attention to monetary policy. Vietnam must be independent and self-reliant in its monetary policy, enhance the standing of the Vietnamese dong, and promote its internationalization to an appropriate extent, thereby elevating the overall position of the Vietnamese economy. Fiscal policy autonomy is equally important, as are trade policies that safeguard national self-determination."
Strategic autonomy is a natural continuation and a further development of Vietnam’s long-standing policy of independence and autonomy under new conditions. The unifying spirit of the Draft Political Report to the 14th Party Congress lies in harnessing internal strengths and adapting to a rapidly changing global environment. This will create a foundation for Vietnam to move forward confidently into a new era and fully achieve its national development goals.