A new era calls for national epic to lift Vietnam to new heights

THE HANOI TIMES — In the solemn celebration held on the morning of April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam delivered a speech marking 50 years since national reunification, a brilliant milestone in the nation’s history.

An eternal national epic

Reflecting on the glorious past, the general secretary said that April 30, 1975, the day of the South’s Liberation, was the culmination of unyielding determination, fervent patriotism, a longing for independence, and a spirit of great national unity.

This victory was not only for the Vietnamese people but also a resounding triumph of human conscience. It encouraged global liberation movements and dealing a decisive blow to neo-colonialism.

At the event, To Lam paid a heartfelt tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, the visionary who laid the foundation for national liberation and reunification. He also honored the immense contributions of generations of revolutionary leaders, fallen heroes, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, and all those who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the nation.

Victory of courage, wisdom, and patriotism

General Secretary To Lam affirmed that the victory of the resistance war against the United States was the product of multiple strategic factors: the Party’s sound and creative leadership; a comprehensive people’s war strategy; the strength of national unity; steadfast international support; and, above all, the bravery, spirit, and intelligence of the Vietnamese people.

The historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, the pinnacle of the 1975 Uprising, unified the country and asserted the undeniable truth: “Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one.” That arduous yet heroic resistance became a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism and left valuable lessons for modern-day national construction and defense.

50 years of reunification, starting point of a new Vietnam

Half a century since reunification, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the country has overcome hardships and challenges, achieving remarkable milestones. From a war-torn, impoverished, and underdeveloped nation, Vietnam has risen to become a developing country with near upper-middle income. The country has maintained political stability and impressive economic growth, improved people’s lives, and expanded its international relations.

He said that by 2024, Vietnam’s economy ranked 32nd globally, placing it among the world’s top 20 countries for trade and foreign investment. Diplomatic ties have been established with 194 countries, including comprehensive strategic partnerships with major nations like the United States, with whom this year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

To Lam emphasized Vietnam’s strategic vision for 2030 and 2045, which includes achieving economic growth exceeding 8% and reaching upper-middle income status in the 2025-2030 period. By 2045, the centenary of the country’s founding, the goal is to become a fully developed, high-income nation that follows a socialist-oriented path.

To realize this ambition, he called for addressing institutional bottlenecks, reforming the growth model, promoting science and technology, accelerating digital transformation, and unlocking all social resources. In this regard, the private sector is identified as a vital engine of growth, contributing to social equity, progress, and care for vulnerable groups.

The general secretary reaffirmed the central role of the people in nation- building and defense. The philosophy that “the people are the root” was highlighted as the guiding principle behind policies such as tuition waivers, the elimination of substandard housing, the expansion of social housing, universal healthcare and hospital fee exemptions.

On this occasion, he stressed the importance of national reconciliation policies that acknowledge the past, respect differences, and look toward the future as they are seen as foundational to strengthening national unity. “All Vietnamese are children of Vietnam, and all have the right and responsibility to contribute to building the country.”

General Secretary To emphasized that from the epic victory of 1975 to today’s achievements and the 2045 vision, everything is part of an unbroken chain of national will, patriotism, and unwavering faith in a future where Vietnam stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s great powers.