Effectively handle the relation between independence, and self-reliance and international integration of Vietnam in the new context

10/3/17


Protecting independence, self-reliance is a consistent principle in the viewpoint on international integration of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the persistent line in the process of building socialism in Vietnam since the renovation. Renewing thinking about the relation between independence, self-reliance and international integration contributes to innovative thinking in the formulation and implementation of socio-economic development strategies, sectoral and field strategies in face of current external rapid changes and in-depth and extensive international integration of Vietnam.
Documents of the 12th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam continue confirming that the thorough and effective handling of relations including the relation between independence, self-reliance and international integration is one of the key tasks of Vietnam in the coming period.
The relation between independence, self-reliance and international integration of Vietnam during the 30 years of innovation.
In the mid-1980s of the 20th century, Vietnam faced serious difficulties. The prolonged centrally-planned, bureaucratic and subsidized economic mechanism annulled development motivation; the country was isolated, subject to embargo and dependent on external aid. People’s life was very difficult, poverty rocketed, the socio-economy could collapse at any time, and worries spread. The political regime was confronted with big challenges.
Facing these difficulties, the 6th Congress of the Party in 1986 initiated a comprehensive renovation of the country which advocated "joining international division of labor," "expanding economic and scientific-technical relations" with other countries. The spirit of the 6th Congress led to a new approach that shows independence, self-reliance does not mean isolation, and "closed door" to the world, thereby opening up a new way of thinking about international economic integration in the first years of renovation. The 7th Congress of the Party in 1991 took a step forward with more specific guidelines: "Expansion, diversification and multilateralisation of external economic relations" following the guiding principle "attracting external resources to strongly generating internal advantages and resources." However, hardly had the renovation taken place when the Soviet Union and the East European socialist countries fell into a crisis and collapsed, causing concern among people about which part Vietnam would follow. In this context, the Platform for National Construction in the Transitional Period to Socialism was adopted in 1991, confirming the acumen and wisdom of the Communist Party of Vietnam in leading the country to persistently implementing the renovation and successfully building socialism. It was lively and meaningful evidence about the importance of maintaining independence, self-reliance in choosing the development path of Vietnam in face of upheavals of the times.
From a centrally planned, subsidized, closed and subsistent economy, Vietnam has carried out reform, opened and shifted to the socialist-oriented market economy, promoted exports, received development aid and foreign investment. From being isolated and subject to embargo, we took initiative to break that siege; normalized relations with big countries; implemented the line of befriending all countries in the international community; and strengthened independence, self-reliance. Coming out of the serious crisis, in mid 1990s, Vietnam's economy achieved high growth rates and initially integrated into the region. This fact confirms the correctness of the renovation. The 8th Congress of the Party in 1996 established a firm confidence in the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, and expanded international economic relations in order to enlist resources for growth. However, the implementation of commitments on regional economic integration and reform of Vietnam in that period was still very slow due to the fear of competition and hesitation and worry of negative impact from outside, especially when the financial-monetary crisis in Asia broke out.
Not until 2001, for the first time in the documents of the 9th Party Congress, the phrase "active integration into international economy" was introduced, marking a paradigm shift in thinking about development and integration of Vietnam. The 9th Party Congress also pointed to the guiding stance: to safeguard independence, sovereignty, first policy independence and self-reliance. Build the independent and self-reliant economy along with proactive international economic integration; combine internal with external strength into aggregated strength to develop the country. Expand relations with other countries, but do not let the economy depend on and be manipulated by external forces. In 2006, the 10th Party Congress added the word "positive" and set out the line: "positively and proactively integrate into international economy while expanding international cooperation in other fields ... ." Though the supplement was not really a breakthrough, it clearly affirmed confidence in the necessity and benefits of international integration. The 10th Party Congress set out the guiding stance that international economic integration "must be carried out with appropriate roadmap, positive and firm steps, without hesitation, haste, and simplicity." 
Since becoming an official member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007, Vietnam's economy has fully integrated into the global economy. Vietnam’s commitments with WTO are a common framework to promote domestic reforms, perfecting the socialist-oriented market economy. On that basis, the 11th Party Congress in 2011 elevated the line into "proactive and positive international integration" as specified by Resolution No. 22-NQ/TW of the Politburo, 11th Party Congress in April 2013 to assert that international integration is no longer confined to economic field, but is extended to all other areas, including political, defense, security cultural and social fields. Also since the 11th Party Congress documents of the Party have used the term "independence, self-reliance" (adding "," in between) instead of "independent self-reliance" to reflect the two faces of "independence" and "self-reliance" of national sovereignty in development and defense.

The full awareness and successful handling of the relations between independence, self-reliance and international integration have made an important contribution to helping Vietnam make tremendous achievements of historical significance during the 30 years of renovation. Vietnam has entered a new depth in the orbit of international integration, performed basic adjustments, raised the position, size and competitiveness of the economy; national independence has been strengthened, and national self-reliance has been consolidated. In 1986, Vietnam had diplomatic relations with more than 30 countries. By now, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 187 countries and economic relations with more than 223 countries and territories. Vietnam's relations with all big countries have been developing well; in particular, in-depth, substantive and effective relations with some countries have been established through comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership. From standing aloof, Vietnam has become a member of more than 70 regional and international organizations. Departing from only loose bilateral economic agreements, Vietnam have reached agreements with economic institutions at all levels, including new generation free trade agreements (FTA), such as the Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and the Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement (VEFTA). These show Vietnam’s proactive and positive efforts to accelerate the process of in-depth and extensive international economic integration. 
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All comments [ 10 ]


Socialist Society 10/3/17 08:01

Independence, self-reliance in assessing changes in the international and regional context to adopt response policy relevant to the conditions of the country, and in line with international practices and approach.

For A Peace World 10/3/17 08:02

In the recent period, our awareness on international integration has fallen short of changes in the world.

Me Too! 10/3/17 08:03

It is essential to always be independent, self-reliant in determining lines, policies and methods of development.

Vietnam Love 10/3/17 08:04

Independence, self-reliance must be reflected in the negotiation and accession; actively and creatively implement international commitments to take advantage of opportunities and cope with challenges.

Voice of people 10/3/17 08:04

To avoid external high pressure, we do not only persist but also wisely address the pressure, taking into account trends and tendencies in the world to arrive at appropriate policy decisions.

John Smith 10/3/17 08:05

To build an independent, self-reliant economy in the process of international economic integration, internal capacity plays a decisive role to neutralize external risks to capitalize on opportunities offered by integration.

Gentle Moon 10/3/17 08:06

The situation in the world and the region have rapidly and complicatedly changed, profoundly affecting Vietnam’s handling of the relationship between independence, self-reliance and international integration.

LawrenceSamuels 10/3/17 08:07

The fourth industrial revolution have taken place quickly, especially with technology breakthroughs in areas.

Red Star 10/3/17 08:08

With the uncertainty of the global economic environment, political environment and world security are also unpredictable, containing risks for development.

yobro yobro 10/3/17 08:09

National interest is the highest goal of fully understanding and handling the relation between independence, self-reliance and international integration.

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