"[W]e, the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam solemnly make this declaration to the world: Viet Nam has the right to enjoy freedom and independence and in fact has become a free and independent country. The entire Vietnamese people are determined to mobilize all their physical and mental strength, to sacrifice their lives and property in order to safeguard their
freedom and independence."

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam's National Day and of the August Revolution, the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) sends its warmest revolutionary greetings to the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and its General Secretary, Tô Lâm, its Central Committee, all Party members and the people of Viet Nam.

Red Salute on this auspicious occasion! The hard-fought for achievements on every front of endeavour show, above all else, that a heroic and courageous people, united, organized and enabled to fight for their own interests, reach magnificent heights of splendor! It provides the peoples of the world fighting for their own liberation, peace, democracy and freedom with great encouragement to see that such great feats can be done because they must be done!

On this occasion, CPC(M-L) also recalls and hails the decisive role of President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) in leading the Vietnamese people to national liberation in 1945. They stood shoulder to shoulder with the democratic forces of the world fighting for peace, justice and social progress in the fight against Nazi fascism and Japanese militarism, making significant contributions to that struggle.

Since 1945, Viet Nam has recorded significant and magnificent achievements in politics, economy, cultural and social development, national defence and security. Great strides have been made during four decades of Doi Moi (Renewal) and this continues today. The key to victory has always been the leadership of the Communist Party based on Maxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought. The concrete assessments and analyses of the national and international situation provided the means to set the tasks needed within the given period to open the path to progress. Since then, Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought guides the CPV and people in their nation-building project.

Lenin's Thesis on the National and Colonial Questions, published in 1920, illuminated the path to liberation of colonized peoples in the era of imperialism, which Ho Chi Minh organized to achieve.

The necessity for national liberation led Ho Chi Minh to organize and found the CPV (then called the Communist Party of Indochina) on February 3, 1930, in Hong Kong. It was unprecedented that just 15 years later such a young party successfully led the Vietnamese people in a democratic revolution which overthrew the yoke of feudalism, decades of French colonial subjugation, and years of Japanese militarist occupation to realize the revolutionary aspiration of the people for national liberation and social progress.

Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, visits the house in which Ho Chi Minh wrote the Declaration of Independence, August 31, 2025.

Even at that time, in 1930, Ho Chi Minh saw the coming fascist aggression and the necessity to align the Vietnamese people's struggle with that of the peoples' democratic forces internationally. In his Appeal Made on the Founding of the Communist Party of Indochina, Ho Chi Minh wrote: "World War Two will break out. When it does the French imperialists will certainly drive our people to an even more horrible slaughter. If we let them prepare for this war, oppose the Chinese revolution and attack the Soviet Union, if we allow them to stifle the Vietnamese revolution, this is tantamount to letting them wipe our race off the surface of the earth and drown our nation in the Pacific."

He announced the founding of the CPV as the party of the working class with a mission to "help the proletariat lead the revolution waged for the sake of all oppressed and exploited people." He called on the Vietnamese people to join the Party, support it and follow it to implement the objectives set by the Party. These included the overthrow of French imperialism and Vietnamese feudalism, to secure Viet Nam's complete independence and establish a worker-peasant-soldier government. CPV united the people to secure democratic freedoms, provide education, overcome inequality between men and women and additional objectives consistent with the demands of the people and of the times.

In the closing days of World War II, seeing that the Japanese occupiers were defeated and about to surrender, the Party prepared and took decisive action to ensure victory was not snatched from the hands of the Vietnamese people by the old order and its collaborators.

With the leadership and determination of the CPV, the Vietnamese people rose up as one in the August Revolution, to topple the colonial and feudal regime, seize power, and establish the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, the first people's democratic country in Southeast Asia. Though the soldiers and militia of the people's forces were small, possessing but a few weapons, the people took up the fight in their hundreds of thousands and boldly seized the initiative, often with little more than rudimentary weapons and their bare hands. Their audacity and decisive action seized the day, bringing the August Revolution to victory -- liberating Viet Nam from centuries of foreign domination, French colonial subjugation, and Japanese militarist occupation.

Addressing the nation on National Day, September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh said: "[W]e, the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam solemnly make this declaration to the world: Viet Nam has the right to enjoy freedom and independence and in fact has become a free and independent country. The entire Vietnamese people are determined to mobilize all their physical and mental strength, to sacrifice their lives and property in order to safeguard their freedom and independence."

Speaking on the significance of the August Revolution, Ho Chi Minh said in 1951: "The triumph of the August Revolution was due to the clear sighted and resolute leadership of our Party and the unity and fervour of the entire people, both inside and outside the Viet Minh. Comrades, not only our own toiling classes and people but also the toiling classes and oppressed peoples of other countries can be proud of this fact: for the first time in the revolutionary history of colonial and semi-colonial peoples, a party barely fifteen years old has led the revolution to success and seized power throughout the country. [...] This is an extremely great change in the history of our country. The triumph of the August Revolution has made us a member of the great democratic family in the world." (Report to the Second Congress of the Viet Nam Workers Party, February 1951, the name of the CPV at that time.)

The challenges to the fledgling sovereign and independent state of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam were enormous.

The French imperialists immediately threatened invasion and recolonization. On September 26, 1945, Ho Chi Minh issued an Appeal to our Fellow-Countrymen in Nam Bo (south Viet Nam). He said: "Our newly-won national independence is threatened by foreign invasion. In the war against the Japanese, the French colonialists either surrendered or fled; now that the war has ended, they are coming back, either secretly or openly. Within a period of four years, they sold out our country twice. Now they seek to re-impose their rule on our people [...] I believe, and so do our people throughout the country, in your firm patriotism [...] Like you I am sure that the government and the whole country will do their utmost to support the fighters and people who are selflessly fighting to defend our national independence. I am sure, and so are all our people, that individuals and nations the world over who cherish equality and freedom all sympathize with us. We are bound to win for we have the united force of our entire people. We are bound to win because our struggle is a just one."

The Vietnamese people were also experiencing famine. Essential foodstuffs had been stolen by the colonizers and occupiers for their fascist war efforts. Ho Chi Minh called on the people to act as one in his 1945 Appeal to the People to Fight Famine. He wrote: "Famine is even more dangerous than war. Thus, in six years of war, France lost one million people and Germany nearly three million, while in the north of our country, famine killed over two million of our compatriots in barely half a year. We cannot allow more of them to starve. In war, all the forces of the country must be mobilized and organized to fight the enemy. In our struggle against famine, we must also mobilize and organize our entire people. [...] Our fight against famine as well as against foreign invasion will certainly succeed because our entire people are wholeheartedly engaged in it."

Another challenge the fledgling nation faced was illiteracy. Ninety-five percent of the population were illiterate. How to progress in such conditions? In his Appeal to Fight Illiteracy written in October 1945, Ho Chi Minh wrote: "Now that we have won back independence, one of the most urgent tasks at present is to raise the people's cultural level."

A popular Education Department was set up to that effect. "People of Viet Nam!" Ho Chi Minh wrote, "If you want to safeguard national independence; if you want our nation to grow strong and our country prosperous, every one of you must know his rights and duties. He must possess knowledge so as to be able to participate in the building of the country. First of all, he must learn to read and write [...] Let the literates teach the illiterates; let them take part in mass education. Let the illiterates study hard. The husband will teach his wife, the elder brother, his junior, the children their parents, the master his servants, the rich will open classes for illiterates in their own houses. The women should study even harder for up to now many obstacles have stood in their way. It is high time now for them to catch up with the men and be worthy of their status as citizens with full electoral rights. I hope that young people of both sexes will eagerly participate in this work."

Two years into the reactionary war unleashed by the French colonialists to restore their rule and recolonize the Vietnamese people, Ho Chi Minh wrote that by "using overwhelming forces in lightning attacks they hoped to occupy our country within a few months. They also hired a clique of stooges with the aim of undermining our resistance and dividing our people. But their schemes, both military and political, have utterly failed. Today the war of resistance has been going on in Nam Bo for two years and in the whole country for six months. Our forces are growing ever stronger, our success ever more obvious."

Viet Nam's struggle had always been waged integral with the struggle of the workers and peoples of all lands, especially the Soviet Union, China and Korea, for peace, justice, and social progress. On the fifth anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, September 2, 1950, Ho Chi Minh wrote: "As far as we are concerned the war of resistance waged these last few years has won Viet Nam the greatest success in her history; the two largest countries in the world, the Soviet Union and People's China, and the new democracies, have recognized the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam as an equal member of the great family of democratic countries of the world. This means that we have definitely joined the democratic camp and the eight hundred million people fighting against imperialism." [...]

"Thanks to the oneness of mind of our government and people, of our soldiers and civilians, to the unity and dauntlessness of our entire people, to the support of the peoples of democratic countries and of justice-loving personalities in the world, our long war of resistance will certainly end in victory! National reunification and independence will certainly be achieved," he concluded.

Throughout the national and social liberation struggles, until his untimely death on September 2, 1969, twenty-four years to the day after Viet Nam's first National Day, Ho Chi Minh consistently stated that the key reasons for their successes and for confidence that their cause would prevail were the clear-sighted and resolute leadership of the CPV and the unity and fervour of the entire people. Their fight was just and strategy utilized successful Ho Chi Minh said. He emphasized the close knit unity of the Party and people and the courage of the fighters. The friendship and support of the democratic forces internationally was important, including the majority of the French people who wanted to live in peace and friendship, the peoples of the colonies, the Asian peoples and world opinion -- all in favour of Viet Nam's struggle for sovereignty, independence and social progress. These factors meant the enemy had already failed while the Vietnamese had won victory.

Led by the CPV which has Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought as its theoretical foundation and guide to action, the Vietnamese people are now building on these 80 years of success and have entered a new period of national independence associated with socialism. They are the masters of their country. Their achievements are unprecedented. The CPV and government of Viet Nam have mobilized the people to fulfill the millennium goals set by the United Nations ahead of schedule, completely, honorably, raising the standard of living in Viet Nam, its cultural level and its modernity to cutting edge standards.

In the extremely difficult and challenging international conditions that prevail today, Viet Nam's independence is a glorious achievement in the annals of liberation and social progress. Ho Chi Minh's living legacy, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, is truly magnificent.

Participants at one of several rehearals in Hanoi for National Day celebrations, August 29, 2025

(All articles cited are from Ho Chi Minh Selected Works, November 8th Publishing House.)

Viet Nam Celebrates Milestone National Day, United, Mobilized and Boldly Marching Forward

Torch lighting for National Day in Hanoi, August 30, 2025. The ceremony was followed by the final rehearsal for the National Day parade.

This year Vietnam is marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945) and its independence (September 2, 1945). The people have wholeheartedly participated in the preparations to mark National Day on September 2. Social, cultural, and political programs have been held from August 15-September 2, when the National Day parade takes place in Hanoi.

The celebration of the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam's August Revolution and National Day is an occasion of great significance, honouring the achievements of the Vietnamese people under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) in the struggle for national liberation, reunification, nation-building, and defence of her sovereignty.

The celebrations also bring to the fore the significant transformation of Viet Nam's economy through the Doi Moi renewal and innovations. During the mid-1980s and since this renewal was developed to meet the needs of the people after the collapse of the former Soviet Union and the Eastern European people's democracies. Doi Moi paved the way forward so that today Viet Nam is poised to make further advances in what Secretary General Tô Lâm of the CPV has termed the "Era of the Nation's Rise."

This year's anniversaries are also an opportunity for Viet Nam to express appreciation for the support and assistance of friendly states and international friends and progressive forces worldwide – a crucial factor in the victory of the August Revolution and in Viet Nam's development and progress since then. To that end, Vietnam has invited military delegations from Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations and participate in the National Day parade September 2.

Friends worldwide continue to show their staunch support for the Vietnamese people and their inspiring contribution to world peace and progress in defeating Japanese, French and U.S. imperialism and building their self-reliant, independent country.

While the militant spirit and preparations for the 80th Anniversary of National Day have been sweeping the country, the Party, State, and people have at the same time had to respond to devastating climate events. On August 25, Typhoon Kajiki made landfall, with wind speeds of Level 10 -- hurricane force winds -- gusting up to an even more destructive Level 15. This was the fifth typhoon to appear in the East Sea this year. Rainfall of 500-600 millimetres over 24 hours devastated some communities.

Extraordinary measures were needed to guarantee the people's safety and that of irrigation and hydro power reservoirs, dams, and dykes, including gearing up emergency personnel, vehicles, and equipment for rescue operations. Military, police, and youth union personnel were deployed to assist people in repairing houses, schools, and health stations, cleaning up the environment and restoring power, telecom service, and water supply. Fisheries and agriculture were also restored to stabilize people's livelihoods.

Highlights of Events Taking Place

The celebrations were inaugurated with a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace on August 15. Across the country, exhibitions, meetings of local political and social organizations, and events with the international diplomatic corps have been held. A special commemorative postage stamp has been issued. As well, the history of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and its Congresses has been digitized and made accessible to the public in time for the celebrations.

Notable exhibitions include Viet Nam -- Ho Chi Minh -- Milestones in the Nation's History; a thematic display named Journey for Peace; and an exhibition named Write on the Story of Peace.

Two books titled President Ho Chi Minh with General Nguyen Chi Thanh and Today's Presidential Palace and Former Indochinese Governor-General's Palace also made their debut. An "augmented reality" (AR) experience has been developed. AR connects history and modernity through spatial computing technology that is integrated with the real world.

On August 15, Hanoi also hosted an art show named Hanoi – from the historic autumn of 1945 at August Revolution Square. The event documents the transformation of Hanoi over the past eight decades, from the August Revolution and Declaration of Independence in 1945, through the fierce days of bombs and fire during the victory over the French colonialists at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, to the victory over the U.S. imperialists, and the building of a prosperous, beautiful, cultured capital stepping into a new era.

Art show Hanoi -- from the historic autumn of 1945

The following day, August 16, Nhan Dan, newspaper of the CPV, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security, launched events in Quang Ngai and other provinces and cities. These large-scale community activities are aimed at promoting patriotism, sustainable development, and public health.

Another event, called Marching Forward with Vietnam, took place between July 25 and August 16. Nationwide, people registered online to record their footsteps, contributing to the "march" with the message "2 billion steps into the new era." This was practical activity to demonstrate the people's united efforts in reducing carbon emissions – toward the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions – and to improve health with increased physical activity.

Marching Forward with Viet Nam, events in Vinh Long province, August 16, 2025

The CPV Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Hanoi People's Committee, Viet Nam Television, and Netmedia Corporation jointly held a special program called Proud to Be Vietnamese on August 17. It was broadcast live on VTV1 and relayed on multiple local channels and digital platforms. The stage design for the program drew inspiration from the legendary tale of Prince Lang Lieu — the 7th Hung King, symbolizing the harmony of earth and sky and respect for the ancestors. The spectacular event featured live performances with cutting-edge sound, lighting, and visual effects, with traditional and contemporary music.

On August 21, the Viet Nam National Exposition Centre also staged a special program about Hanoi and its historic and current inspiration for the Vietnamese people. The program was broadcast live on Hanoi's TV channel and various digital platforms. It included a fusion of contemporary music, dance, dramatic scenes, archival video, and 3D mapping, providing three dimensional digital representations of real-world objects.

August 19, 1945, marked the launch of the August Revolution, when the Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh initiated the general uprising which led to the overthrow of French colonial rule and the Japanese occupation. Eight days later, on August 27, 1945, the Viet Nam Liberation Committee was reorganized into the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam.

Commemorating these occasions Viet Nam's President Luong Cuong spoke at a gathering in Hanoi on August 24. He said that every triumph of the Vietnamese nation has stemmed from the power of great national unity and the tireless contributions of its people supporting the Party's sound leadership. In attendance were members of the Politburo including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with current and former leaders of ministries, agencies, socio-economic and mass organizations. More than 300 delegates were in attendance, representing all walks of life from 34 cities and provinces nationwide.

The People's Army Cinema held an opening ceremony for Film Week on the evening of August 26 paying tribute to the immense sacrifices and contributions of earlier generations of soldiers who gave their lives for national liberation. It was a meaningful event, using cinematic works and invaluable documentary films. These help promote the values, historical significance, and lessons of the 80-year journey of the Vietnamese people and their People's Army, led by the CPV and President Ho Chi Minh.

A large exhibition to honour Viet Nam's prominent achievements in all fields was unveiled on August 28 at the Viet Nam Exposition Centre in Đông Anh, Hanoi, titled History and Mission of the National Assembly of Vietnam. The exhibition runs until September 5 and is not only a national cultural and political event but also a special occasion for the Party, military, and people to reflect on the accomplishments of the nation today and her heroic history. It highlights the proud 80-year journey of the Vietnamese National Assembly with architecture and technology. Using three concentric circles, the exhibition space symbolizes Viet Nam's great national unity, where the Party's will, the people's heart, and the mission of the Legislature converge and harmonize.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Tô Lâm attending National Day exhibition

The centrepiece of the celebrations is the National Day parade in Hanoi, which has been meticulously prepared and rehearsed in the weeks leading up to September 2. On August 24, 16,000 officers and soldiers including 43 marching formations (26 military and 17 police), foreign contingents, 18 standing blocks, and 14 mechanized columns of military and police equipment gathered at Ba Dinh Square for the second and final full dress rehearsal of the "A80" celebrations.

Politburo members directed the final rehearsal. Large crowds of people, some arriving as early as 3:00 am, gathered along the parade route to witness the rehearsal. They came clad in red T-shirts adorned with yellow stars, equipped with folding chairs, water bottles, and snacks to endure hours of waiting for the evening's parade of marching soldiers, citizens, and aircraft flyovers. Sidewalks bore neatly arranged rows of sandals, stools, and umbrellas, with which people marked their spot in a spirited yet orderly way.

For the first time in 40 years since 1985, the anniversary parade at the Ba Dinh Square will feature large-scale displays of military hardware, including missile systems, drones, and combat vehicles designed and produced domestically, showing Viet Nam's self-reliance.

International delegations will also join in to hail this milestone victory of the people, the Party, the government and state of Viet Nam. The masses of the people will express their confidence in the bright future that they themselves are building, united with the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

Final rehearsal for National Day Parade, August 30, 2025

General Secretary of Communist Party
Calls on National Assembly to Continue Human-Centred Renewal

On August 27, in one of the significant events leading up to the celebrations of Viet Nam's August Revolution and National Day, Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, met with current and former members of the National Assembly (NA), the highest decision-making body of the Vietnamese people.

In his speech to the National Assembly, the General Secretary urged the body to militantly take the lead in renovating institutions, finding new paths forward to national development, and making bold decisions needed by Viet Nam and the Vietnamese people today to keep up with international developments and challenges. He reviewed the National Assembly's journey since the historic January 6, 1946, general elections, the first in an independent Viet Nam. He spoke to how the legislature has consistently fulfilled its duties to the people despite many challenges, in a spirit of steadfastness, creativity and renewal, which has met the needs of the people and country and raised Viet Nam's stature in the world.

General Secretary Tô Lâm expressed his deep gratitude to veteran deputies who lived through the most challenging periods of the country's history -- from land reform and post-war recovery to reunification, through the early years of the Doi Moi economic renewal that began in the mid-1980s and Viet Nam's integration with the world. He described these former deputies as a "living library" of Vietnamese lawmaking whose work and achievements, successes and failures are invaluable to present and future generations.

He highlighted the National Assembly's historic milestones including promulgating the Constitutions of 1946, 1959, 1980, 1992 and 2013, as well as their subsequent amendments, which reflected the needs of the country and the people at new stages. Together, they laid down the legal framework for protection of the rights of the people and Viet Nam's stability, growth, progress, and integration into the global order.

For the future, the General Secretary stressed that the Assembly must move with the times, advance ahead, and support Viet Nam's development in critical fields such as digital transformation, renewable energy, semiconductors, biotechnology, smart logistics, green and circular agriculture, high-quality tourism, and preventive health care, among other fields.

He used the occasion to stress the Party's three overarching preoccupations: safeguarding national sovereignty and social order; ensuring rapid and sustainable development; and constantly improving the people's material and spiritual well-being. These represent the highest goals of the Party and socialism itself, he pointed out.

In response, Chair of the National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man, pledged to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to the National Assembly. These include preparing for elections to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term and for the 14th Congress of the CPV in 2026.

(With files from Viet Nam News Agency)

Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Holds Seminar on Viet Nam's Independence

On August 27, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics in Hanoi held a seminar on the topic Declaration of Independence -- Historical Document Opening the Era of Independence, Freedom, and Happiness of the Vietnamese Nation. The seminar marked the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam's Declaration of Independence, which was read by President Ho Chi Minh at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi on September 2, 1945. The Declaration and long struggle that preceded it, brought forward the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

Speaking at the seminar, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Le Van Loi, noted that the Declaration of Independence in 1945 was the culmination of the thousand-year fighting tradition of the Vietnamese people in their quest to build and defend the independence of their homeland. It was the "pinnacle of creativity, intelligence, and the unparalleled resources of the heroic, cultured Vietnamese nation."

The seminar also affirmed that the victory of the August Revolution which led to the Declaration of Independence was the result of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV successfully applying the theory of Marxism-Leninism to the conditions of Viet Nam. This enabled Viet Nam to be the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to liberate itself from the chains of colonialism, inspiring anti-colonial resistance around the world.

The seminar also noted that Viet Nam bypassed the stage of capitalism and moved to an independent republic founded on socialism. The struggle for independence, democracy and socialism galvanized the creativity and fighting spirit of the people, to build their nation and to affirm their independence by defeating better armed adversaries.

The seminar explained how since Viet Nam's historic Declaration of Independence, the CPV, the people and the army have always embodied this spirit of self-reliance, self-confidence, self-strength, national pride, and confidence in ensuring national development. Together, they continue to do so by integrating the assets of the nation with the unfolding events of the times and constantly renewing Viet Nam's nation-building project.

The seminar concluded that the 2024 resolution of the 13th National Congress of the CPV, for Viet Nam to become "a developed, high-income nation oriented towards socialism," that takes its place second to none in the international community, will surely be achieved.

(With files from Nhan Dan, the newspaper of the Communist Party of Viet Nam)

Significant Advances in Viet Nam's Development

Organizing for New Period in Nation-Building

– Steve Rutchinski –

The twelfth plenum of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam meets July 18, 2025, as Party prepares for its 14th Congress.

The year 2025 has been a momentous year for Viet Nam, including many major events such as the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and national reunification, the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, today the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

Viet Nam is on the threshold of what it calls The Era of National Rise. Specifically, 2025 is the final year of implementing the Resolutions of the 13th National Party Congress. Preparing the 14th National Congress, to be held in early 2026, is important work being taken up by the entire Party and people as this congress will open a new era of development, an era of raising the nation even higher.

Viet Nam's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.52 per cent in the first half of 2025, marking the highest growth rate since 2011. The goal of eight per cent GDP increase set for 2025 is within reach and the people are going all out to achieve that ambitious but necessary challenge. This will lay the foundation for the next breakthrough phase.

Viet Nam's economy ranks 34th in the world, increasing more than 96 times compared to 1986. People's lives have improved significantly. The poverty rate has decreased, and the UN Millennium Development Goals were achieved early. These include working to end poverty and hunger, improving education, maternal health, lowering child mortality, and environmental sustainability. In Viet Nam political, economic, cultural, social, scientific-technological, and national defence and security have been enhanced.

The country has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries, built partnerships, including comprehensive strategic partnerships, with many major powers, undertaken numerous international responsibilities, strengthened strategic cooperation, and developed an active role in important multilateral organizations and forums.

Projects of unprecedented scale have been approved by the National Assembly, Viet Nam's decision-making body. These will meet the requirements of advanced infrastructure, opening a larger dimension for the country's industrialization and modernization. Along with that is the promotion of digital transformation, green transformation, development of business models and methods, and modern production.

Like all countries today, Viet Nam too must contend with difficult, unpredictable, and complicated challenges to its sovereignty and independence, including challenges to its economic agenda. The recent arbitrary imposition of tariff rates for 69 countries, Viet Nam included, signed into effect recently by U.S. President Donald J. Trump is but one example. After many rounds of talks and negotiations with the U.S., the tariffs imposed on Viet Nam were reduced from the original 47 per cent, to its current level of 20 per cent.

Even at 20 per cent tariffs Viet Nam is disadvantaged as its tariff rate is higher than Türkiye's (15 per cent), Cambodia's, and Indonesia's (both 19 per cent), equal to direct competitor Bangladesh (20 per cent), and only lower than India (25 per cent).

The potential impact on Viet Nam's economy is significant. However, as in all situations and circumstances, nothing is left to chance. The full weight of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, state and people is put behind finding the needed solutions.

Le Trung Hieu, Viet Nam's Deputy Director of the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, noted that the average 20 per cent U.S. tariff on Vietnamese exports would reduce exports to the U.S. by nine to 10 per cent, while potentially discouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) into Viet Nam, especially from the U.S., China, and the Republic of Korea due to increased export costs.

However, the country is self-reliant and provides ways for contending with these problems. For example, with 17 signed free trade agreements, Viet Nam has many opportunities to expand export markets, reduce tariff barriers, and stimulate trade and investment growth, thus helping to maintain a high economic growth rate.

In seafood and aquatic industries, functional agencies are reviewing mechanisms and policies for investment loans, scientific and technological innovation, advanced production models, establishing stable input standards and procedures for aquatic seedlings. These steps would not only mitigate the negative impacts of U.S. tariff policies but also facilitate economic restructuring towards stronger internal resources and sustainable growth.

Vietnamese enterprises are focusing on adaptation to reduce tariff-related risks. Rubber enterprises, for example, are addressing the need to ensure standardization and transparency in supply chains, such as establishing traceability systems from plantations to factories. They are reducing dependence on imported raw materials or those of unclear origin. Transparency is important as the U.S. is extremely sensitive to goods with unclear origin or provenance.

Timber industries are undergoing a thorough review oriented to in-depth restructuring and development. The 20 per cent tariffs exceed the current 5-10 per cent profit margin of Viet Nam's wood industries. Viet Nam's wood industries are therefore moving to promote innovation, apply advanced science and technology, improved governance, and labour productivity to create higher value production.

Viet Nam Leaves Nothing to Chance

Viet Nam leaves nothing to chance and that includes paying attention to the human factor. To that end, first rate attention is paid to ideological and political mobilization of the people in participating in arriving at and implementing the decisions taken. As one example, this year more than 17 million people have expressed their opinions on the draft amendments to be made to the 2013 Constitution.

In that vein, marching toward the 14th National Congress of the Party to be held in early 2026, the Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House has launched a work of significant theoretical and practical value, The Communist Party of Viet Nam through the Congresses -- Historical Decisions, edited by Associate Professor Dr. V Trong Lâm.

The book is an effort to analyze, systematize and synthesize the historical journey of the CPV through 13 congresses, with the highlight being the major decisions that have shaped the destiny of the nation through different periods.

The 95-year history of the Communist Party of Viet Nam is a history of turning points, of correct and timely choices at key moments. The book not only informs about the congresses but goes into depth to analyze the historical context and the reasoning and influence of each major congress decision.

From leading the national liberation revolution, building a young government, organizing the people's resistance and reunifying the country to the renovation, international integration, and sustainable national development in the 21st century -- all are presented in a coherent, logical, and concise manner.

The work shows that each major decision of the Party is not a random product, but the result of an internal process, crystallizing the collective consciousness and steadfast political will of the entire Party, army, and people in the face of historical challenges. The decision to launch the National Resistance War in 1946, the Doi Moi process of renewal launched in 1986, establishing the country's development goals from now until 2045 -- are all typical examples of the political thinking with strategic vision of the Party and people united as one.

The celebration of Viet Nam's 80th National Day, September 2, 2025, marks another historic milestone of the Party, the people, and their Socialist Republic of Viet Nam on the road of social progress and even greater victories are to come.

(With files from Nhan Dan, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics)

Housing for All Achieved! It Can Be Done!

Awards for outstanding contributions to the program to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing presented at housing conference in Hanoi, August 26, 2025.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, also the head of the Central Steering Committee for the Eradication of Temporary and Dilapidated Houses, on August 26 at a housing conference in Hanoi, announced that for the first time in Viet Nam's history, no one in Viet Nam will have to live in unsafe housing or temporary housing. Prime Minister Pham called the achievement a "special national project embodying the Party's will and people's hearts."

Originally set in 2023 by Resolution No. 42 of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), this historic goal of the Vietnamese people was reached five years and four months ahead of schedule, the Prime Minister said. He called it a remarkable achievement in poverty alleviation, laying the foundation for greater equality, social progress, and sustainability.

In Viet Nam, since the launch of the housing campaign on October 5, 2024, more than 334,000 houses have been built or repaired, including 255,310 new homes and 78,924 renovations, funded by more than 24.76 trillion Vietnamese dong (VND), equal to U.S.$942.6 million. Volunteers from various Party organizations, ministries, the military, social organizations, and others played pivotal roles, contributing over 2.7 million volunteer workdays. Organizations from across Viet Nam were also involved in raising funds for the project.

New housing built in Bang La village

For example, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front raised more than 125 billion VND through a special anti-poverty campaign. Founded in 1977, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front is recognized in the Constitution as an integral part of the political structure of Viet Nam. Made up of various mass organizations, such as the General Confederation of Labour, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and others, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front is responsible for mobilizing the people to realize the implementation of the Party's guidelines and policies.

Prime Minister Pham attributed Viet Nam's achievement in providing housing for all to the leadership of the CPV and the engagement of the people at every political and social level. He noted especially that housing for all Vietnamese war veterans and martyrs' families was completed by July 24, 2025. He emphasized that the Party's constant outlook is to place the people at the centre as the driving force to set society's goals and achieve them, and the most valuable resource for development.

According to the principle of ensuring that no one is left behind, the Party and state have paid due attention to taking care of the spiritual and material lives of the people, the Prime Minister said.

In addition, Prime Minister Pham called for plans to finalize social assistance support for people still living in poverty, expanding credit programs for people living in rural and remote areas, and ensuring that those living in areas prone to natural disasters have safe and secure housing.

He said that the various ministries of the government, led by the Ministry of Finance, must prioritize additional investments for education, health care, and job-creation programs for the most disadvantaged communities. This includes prioritizing funding for social welfare and mobilizing additional resources for training, health care, and job creation in these communities. He called on the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, the armed forces, and social organizations to prioritize vulnerable communities living in remote areas.

(With files from Nhan Dan.)

(To access articles individually click on the black headline.)

PDF

PREVIOUS ISSUES | HOME

Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca

Red Salute to the Vietnamese People and Their Communist Party!

Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Ho Chi Minh's Living Legacy Is Truly Magnificent

Final rehearsal for National Day parade, August 30, 2025