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Effectively handle the relation between independence, and self-reliance and international integration of Vietnam in the new context
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 ]
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.
In the recent period, our awareness on international integration has fallen short of changes in the world.
It is essential to always be independent, self-reliant in determining lines, policies and methods of development.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The fourth industrial revolution have taken place quickly, especially with technology breakthroughs in areas.
With the uncertainty of the global economic environment, political environment and world security are also unpredictable, containing risks for development.
National interest is the highest goal of fully understanding and handling the relation between independence, self-reliance and international integration.
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