(VOVWORLD) -On April 30th, 1975, the flag of the National Liberation Front for South Vietnam flied on the roof of Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, marking the final victory of the Ho Chi Minh campaign to unify Vietnam. Since then Vietnam has achieved great economic successes, socio-political stability, and improvement of people’s happiness in the global rankings.
 The tank of the Armored Brigade 203, Division 304, Army Corps No.2 enters the Independence Palace at noon on April 30, 1975. (Photo: Tran Mai Huong/VNA) |
The April 30 Victory ended 21 years of the national resistance war against the American army and showed the world the Vietnamese people’s earnest desire for national unification, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Outstanding achievements
After the war, the Vietnamese people embarked on national reconstruction and development. From a poor, backward country that had suffered the severe devastation of war and ensuing embargoes, Vietnam has moved on and become a developing country. It now has a proudly proactive economy which is integrating in the world.
In 2020-2021, the COVID‑19 pandemic caused serious socio-economic damage to countries and pushed the world economy into negative growth. But Vietnam’s economy still had positive growth with GDP of 2.91% in 2020, 2.58% in 2021, and more impressively GDP of 8.02% in 2022 to make Vietnam one of the economies with the highest growth rate in the world.
The lives of the Vietnamese people have been markedly improving. In 1985 when Vietnam started the renewal process, the average income per capita was 159 USD per year. In 2023, it reached nearly 4,300 USD per year. Public health care has greatly improved with higher life expectancy.
Social welfare and security have been quickly expanded. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet said: “Since 2019, per capita GDP has increased 25% and the rate of poor households has decreased 1.5% annually. A preventive health network has been set up nationwide and closely linked to grassroots healthcare. Health insurance coverage increased from 81.7% in 2016 to 92% in 2022. 98.3% of households use clean water sources. 85% of people with disabilities in difficult circumstances receive social assistance, care, and rehabilitation.”
Sick soldiers, families of martyrs, and revolutionary contributors have been cared for by the Party, State, and society in general. National cultural values have been inherited and developed while artistic talents are constantly promoted. Human resource development policies are prioritized.
The happiness index of Vietnamese people continuously increases on the global rankings. In the World Happiness Report 2024, Vietnam climbed 11 places to 54th.
In the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Index ranking in March, 2024, Vietnam jumped 8 steps upward from 115th to 107th, continuing its rise among developing countries with a high human development index.
The results are attributed to correct and effective policies and efforts of the Party and State to create the best conditions for improving people’s lives. Vietnam’s successes are highly appreciated by its international partners.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “Vietnam has come a long way, and the journey continues. The Vietnamese economy is one of the fastest growing in the world. It’s been proven. You once again have the opportunity to be a powerhouse for change. United Nations is proud to be your partner every step of the way.”
 A 2023 report of Henley & Partners Company says Ho Chi Minh City is emerging as Asia's next big millionaire hotspot. (Photo: VGP) |
Journey of happiness
49 years since the April 30 Victory, Vietnam is well on its way to realizing the goal of building a prosperous and happy country and becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045.
Facing many challenges from geopolitical conflicts, the middle-income trap, the downsides of the market economy, international integration, science and technology development, Vietnam is determined to achieve its goals to elevate the nation to a higher level, and realize the aspiration of building a strong country. Shaping the future will create strong motivation, change the mindset and actions of all people, and encourage the people to unanimously contribute to national prosperity and happiness.
The April 30 Victory will forever be a moment of pride and motivation for Vietnam to overcome all obstacles and firmly advance on its renewal process leading to more national achievements. Celebrating the 49th anniversary of National Unification Day, every Vietnamese person is deeply aware of the value of peace, harmony, reconciliation, solidarity, and unity, which are the solid foundation for Vietnam to rise high.