1. National Assembly passes several Laws, Resolutions to specify 2013 Constitution

In 2014, the National Assembly adopted 29 Laws to fine-tune the legal system, and institutionalize the 2013 Constitution’s stipulations on the state apparatus, protecting and exercising human rights and citizens’ fundamental rights and obligations. The National Assembly also approved 13 Resolutions and revisions to the Resolution on conducting votes of confidence on officials elected and approved by the National Assembly and People’s Councils.

The 8th session of the 13th National Assembly

2. Inflation controlled, macro-economy connected with economic restructuring, investment environment improved, and strategic breakthroughs created

Vietnam’s GDP increased 5.98% in 2014. The Consumer Price Index increased 4%, the lowest rate in 10 years. The restructuring of public investment, credit organizations, state-owned enterprises and agriculture in connection with new rural development was strengthened. Agriculture exports earned a record 30 billion USD. Enterprises managed to overcome difficulties and contribute to the national economy. Despite several challenges, the Vietnamese economy saw positive results.

Agriculture exports earns a record 30 billion USD. Photo: nongnghiep.vn

3. Resolute defense of national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity

For two months from May 1^st to July 15^th, China illegally placed its oil rig Haiyang 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, violating the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. By protesting on site, making diplomatic efforts, and launching public and legal protests, Vietnam persistently demanded China withdraw its drilling rig from Vietnamese waters and resolutely defended its sea and islands. Vietnam produced full legal and historical evidence affirming its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

Marine police on duty- Photo: Nguyen Hai

4. Vietnam People’s Army’s 70^th founding anniversary, and 60^th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory marked

A wide range of activities were held across Vietnam to mark the 70^th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 60^th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory. They included a State level meeting in Hanoi and Dien Bien Phu city. These activities enhanced Vietnamese people’s national pride and faith and national strength in implementing national renovation, construction and defense under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Parade to mark 60th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory- Photo: Viet Lan

5. 8th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front convenes

The 8^th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front set out targets for the 2014-2019 period focusing on reforming the Front’s activities, strengthening national unity, fulfilling its representative role, defending the legitimate rights of the people, and creating social consensus. Other targets include promoting democracy, implementing social supervision and criticism, and contributing to the building of the Party and administration and socio-economic development.

8th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front convenes- Photo: Ha Hoa

6. Vietnam gains 2 more World Cultural Heritages

On June 23 the Trang An relic complex in Ninh Binh province was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage. Trang An was Vietnam’s first heritage to be recognized for its cultural and natural values. On November 27 Vi Giam folk singing was recognized as a Representative Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It brought the total number of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO to 9.

On June 23 the Trang An relic complex in Ninh Binh province was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage- Photo: Hoang Xuan

7. Drastic changes in education and training

In response to the Party resolution on fundamentally and comprehensively reforming education and training, the education sector has initiated several reform programs including an initiative to organize a national exam for upper secondary school graduation and enrolment in universities and colleges. The education sector has also put in place a project to revise textbooks and evaluate primary school pupils.

Drastic changes in education and training- Photo: Bich Lan

8. Vietnam Science and Technology Day launched on May 18

Vietnam Science and Technology Day is aimed at honoring scientists and scientific and technological achievements as well as disseminating scientific knowledge and encouraging creativity among Vietnamese people, especially young ones. This year, Flappy bird, a mobile game developed by Nguyen Ha Dong created a fever among net users all over the world.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung declares Vietnam Science and Technology Day- Photo: Thanh Chung

9. Vietnam’s medical sector sees advances in organ transplants

Vietnam’s Military Hospital successfully conducted its first double organ transplant – a kidney and pancreas. The Hue Central Hospital implanted a HeartWare heart pump, a ventricular assist device, next to the heart of a patient with heart failure. These successes prove the rising level of the Vietnamese medical sector promising opportunities to save other patients.

Vietnam’s Military Hospital successfully conducted its first double organ transplant – a kidney and pancreas- Photo: Ngoc Ha

10. Fight against corruption strengthened

This year, many corruption cases, particularly cases involving the banking and financial sector were uncovered. Nguyen Duc Kien, Huynh Thi Huyen Nhu and other defendants were brought to trial. The Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission inspected and strictly handled Party members suspected of violations. The Party and State’s resolute efforts in dealing with corruption cases have enhanced the public’s trust.

Huynh Thi Huyen Nhu at the court-Photo: Viet Duc