He said that Vietnam has made major achievement to create new momentum and elevated international position for successful implementation of tasks set out by the 12^th national Party Congress.

The President said that this has been the first time for many years Vietnam has completed all 13 social economic development targets required by the national Assembly. These include stable macro economy, inflation under control, sustained budget collection with a GDP growth rate of 6.81%, export revenue of 425 billion dollars and a 10-year record high of 35.8 billion dollars in foreign direct investment. The President hailed Vietnam’s significant success in its foreign policy history, especially its successful hosting of the APEC Year and the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week. Vietnam has made strong impression in many of its initiatives and suggestions, priorities and governance to foster consensus and connectivity in APEC for its strategic vision in the decades to come. President Tran Dai Quang said Vietnam has promoted international cooperation in all fields to contribute to national defense and territorial integrity protection, national security, law and order: “The 25^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Week has turned Vietnam in to a focal point in the world, where all APEC leaders and invited leaders from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar joined the event. These show Vietnam’s strategic position and major role in the region as well as its commitment to foster APEC cooperation. APEC leaders have praised Vietnam’s initiatives and contribution to APEC consensus in many issues towards a joint future. Successes in the APEC Year 2017 creates momentum for Vietnam’s holding major international roles, including its bid for a non permanent membership at the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 term and ASEAN Chairmanship of 2020.”

The President considers 2018 a pivotal year in the 5-year social economic development plan until 2020 with GDP growth rate trajectory of up to 6.7%, continued macro economic stability and inflation control, renewed growth model with economic restructuring, improved labor output and economic competitiveness.

The President called for nation unity and resourcefulness while grasping opportunities and overcoming challenges among Vietnamese at home and abroad to promote sustainable and rapid national development.