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Following is the full text of the remarks.
Distinguished leaders of the Party and State,
Excellency Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Excellencies
Ambassadors, Chargé d’Affaires, Heads of international organizations in
Hanoi,
Distinguished guests,
Dear friends,
On behalf of the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam,
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all distinguished comrades, guests
and friends to the reception celebrating the 73rd National Day of the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
We are now enjoying the autumn of Hanoi, beneath an indigo sky
and gentle warmth of the sun, in tranquil streets under shades of green. Let
us all take a moment to recall the heroic revolutionary autumn of 73 years
ago. On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of
the Vietnamese people, proclaimed the Declaration of Independence in Hanoi,
announcing the birth of the then Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam. From this historic moment, "bathed in the
color of our autumn’s banner”, a new chapter has opened in the valiant
history of our nation.
Over the last seven decades, Independence – Freedom –
Happiness have always been the ardent desire of the Vietnamese
people and a source of great encouragement for all to overcome hardships and
adversity. Under a red field and gold star banner, we have joined hands and
marched forward, striving for national independence, development, prosperity
and happiness for all, while contributing to peace, cooperation, and
development in the region and the world.
Vietnam always strives to be a good friend, a trusted partner
within the international community, an equal partner collaborating on the
basis of mutually beneficial cooperation. In recent years, Vietnam has
successfully hosted many important international events, thus contributing to
regional integration, such as the APEC Year of 2017 or the Greater Mekong
Sub-region Summit (GMS) in March 2018.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The world is undergoing incredibly rapid changes, opening up
many opportunities for cooperation and development. The major trends in
international relations are still peace and cooperation, yet traditional and
non-traditional challenges, protectionism, trade wars among major economies
are ever present. The fourth Industrial Revolution, and the spread of digital
economy have deeply impacted nations and Vietnam.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Vietnam is focusing its
effort to "cultivate” a favorable environment for development and
is determined to "act" in that spirit of
service to businesses and people, whose satisfaction will be the bar for our
effectiveness.
In order to maintain the robust economic growth of 2016 and
2017, strong administrative measures have been undertaken. In the first 6
months of 2018, Vietnam’s GDP has increased by 7.08%, the highest observed
since 2010. During the first 8 months, trade have reached US$300 billion, a
14% increase; and FDI levels have reached nearly US$25 billion. We also
received over 10.4 million international visitors, a 22.8% increase, while
inflation has also remained low. We are determined to maintain socio-economic
stability, striving for GDP growth of 6.7%.
Our efforts have been supported and well received by the
international community. On June 14, the WB forecasted Vietnam's 2018 GDP
growth to be 6.8%. On July 20, the ADB gave its forecast of 7.1%
(while the average for the Southeast Asia region is only 5.2%). On May 15,
2018, Fitch upgraded Vietnam's sovereign credit rating to positively stable.
On July 10, 2018, according to the UN's agency on intellectual property WIPO,
Vietnam's GII innovative index in 2017 stands at 45/126.
As part of efforts geared toward the Sustainable Development
Goals in the medium and long term, Vietnam is stepping up its international
integration efforts. We are currently in the process of ratifying the CPTPP
and working with the EU to conclude and sign the EVFTA by the end of 2018,
and stepping up RCEP negotiations.
In Vietnam, you will see a pervasive air of openness, of
enthusiasm and confidence in our people, businesses, investors within and
outside the country.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The bright future of Vietnam is linked to peace, stability and
shared prosperity of the region and the world. Vietnam has always strived to
integrate with the international community; worked with the international
community to dialogue and cooperate on the basis of respect for other
countries’ independence and sovereignty, equality, mutual benefits, and
respect for international law. We view these principles as the foundation and
the most effective means for ensuring the legitimate interests of all
countries.
Vietnam is currently working with fellow member states to
implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, to build a united,
strong, developed and prosperous community, and strengthen the role of
ASEAN’s centrality in the regional architecture.
Currently, Vietnam is making active preparations to successfully
host the World Economic Forum - ASEAN 2018 (WEF-ASEAN), which will take place
from 11 to 13 September under the theme of "Entrepreneurship and the 4th Industrial
Revolution”. This event will be attended by high-level leaders of many
countries, including ASEAN top leaders, as well as leaders of nearly 1000
businesses in the ASEAN region and the world.
On this occasion, on behalf of the Party, State, Government and
People of Vietnam, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the
Governments and people of all countries, international partners and friends
and hope to continue to receive, your warm affection, valuable support and
effective cooperation.
I greatly appreciate the important role played by our Ambassadors,
Chargés d’affaires and Heads of international organizations here; and believe
that you will make greater contributions to promoting friendship and
cooperation between Vietnam and friends and partners the world.
In this cordial and warm atmosphere, sharing in the joy of all
Vietnamese people on the occasion of this National Day, let us raise our
glasses:
To peace, stability and prosperity in the world!
To the happiness and prosperity of the Vietnamese people!
To the ever enduring and fruitful friendship and cooperation for
development between Vietnam and all nations and international organizations!
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Source: NDO