Vietnam steadily marches into new era of growth

Honoring past, building future

April 30, 1975 marked the culmination of decades of arduous struggle and sacrifice by the entire nation. As noted in the Political Report presented at the 4th National Congress of the Communist Party in December 1976, this was a victory forever inscribed in the nation’s history as one of its most glorious chapters, a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism and human wisdom. It also entered world history as one of the greatest triumphs of the 20th century, a globally significant and epoch-making event.

Vietnam continues to stride firmly on the path of reform and progress

During the painful yet heroic years of war, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, people from the North and the South stayed united, writing an immortal epic of national liberation. The moment tanks of the liberation army rolled into the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975 not only ended the oppressive regime of the past, but also opened a new chapter: a unified Vietnam, with full territorial integrity, independence, and freedom.

April 30, 1975 stands as a brilliant milestone in Vietnam’s history, closing decades of war and opening a new era of peace, national unity, and the building of an independent, self-reliant, socialist-oriented Vietnam.

In the years following 1975, Vietnam faced immense challenges in addressing the war’s devastating aftermath.

Whether under the fire of war or the pressure of economic hardships, the spirit of national unity remained the core strength that became the torch guiding the nation forward. The past 50 years have demonstrated that one of the greatest lessons of development is the power of great national unity under the leadership of the Party.

The Doi Moi (Renovation) policy launched by the Party in 1986 breathed new life into the country, transitioning Vietnam from a centrally-planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy.

Vietnam has gradually integrated into the global economy, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, and establishing open relations with countries and territories across the world.

As the lyrics of Trinh Cong Son’s song “Joining hands in unity” go, “From the North to the South, we join hands…,” the spirit of April 30, 1975 remains a lasting source of motivation, empowering Vietnam to advance with confidence on its path of integration and development.

The 50th anniversary of national reunification is not only a time to honor the past, but also a solemn promise to build a Vietnam that stands shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world, just as President Ho Chi Minh once envisioned.

Liberation troops advancing on National Highway 1 from Nha Trang toward the South – Photo: Lam Hong Long/VNA

From reunification to new era of growth

April 30, 1975 is not only a historic milestone, but also a lasting source of inspiration for Vietnam to move confidently on its path of renovation. In a world full of uncertainties, the enduring lessons of unity, resilience, and creativity from the past continue to serve as a compass guiding the nation toward the future.

It is a powerful inspiration, a great national spirit passed down through generations of Vietnamese, forged in the struggle for independence and freedom. Now, it remains the spirit that helps the nation overcome the challenges of development and prosperity.

Over the past 50 years, Vietnam has journeyed from the dawn of reunification to the threshold of a new era.

The spirit of that historic April 30, 1975 continues to hold its value, laying the foundation for the new era in which the entire nation rises together. This is the era of development and prosperity under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the era of building a prosperous, strong, democratic, just, and civilized socialist Vietnam that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s great powers.

This is the era in which every citizen enjoys a life of peace, prosperity, and happiness, an era where all are empowered to grow and thrive, contributing to global peace, stability, development, the happiness of humankind, and the advancement of civilization.

The ultimate goal of this new era is prosperous people, a strong nation, and a socialist society standing alongside global powers.

Vietnam aims to become a developing country with a modern industrial base and upper-middle income by 2030; and a developed socialist country with high income by 2045.

It is time for Vietnam to ignite the spirit of self-reliance, confidence, and national pride to develop the country.

April 30, 1975 will forever be the glory and honor of every generation of Vietnamese, the triumph of victory carried into the future on a new avenue of development.