Be determined and creative to develop the country quickly and sustainably.

Looking back at the great and historic achievements of 35 years of implementing the renovation process, our Party affirms: Among many factors, the most important factor is Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought. The draft document of the 13th National Party Congress continues to affirm: Firmly and creatively apply and develop Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought; firmly adhere to the goal of national independence and socialism; firmly adhere to the Party's renovation policy to build and defend the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Graphic photo: Quang Huy

However, be steadfast but not dogmatic, stereotyped, or rigid, but closely linked to innovation, creativity, and in line with the trends of the times. Innovation based on the principle of steadfast Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, not straying from the goals and ideals of the Party and the nation. Inheriting the achievements that have been made but also regularly updating the changing situation at home and abroad, especially the development of science and technology, in order to create new breakthroughs and develop the country quickly and sustainably.

Looking back at history, we began to carry out innovation in the 1980s of the 20th century. At that time, China carried out open-door reforms, and the former Soviet Union and Eastern European socialist countries also carried out reforms. Some countries carried out reforms. But the results and fates of reforms were very different. Some places failed miserably, completely collapsed, while others succeeded. The question is how to “Innovate”? We succeeded because we were both steadfast and creative. We knew how to maintain our goals and ideals, especially the ultimate goal (national independence and socialism), but were flexible, creative, adaptable, and “adapt to all changes” in our steps, solutions, and measures. Therefore, we not only overcame the challenges of history but also innovated correctly and progressed sustainably. This is the most valuable lesson: to be both steadfast and creative.

History also proves the flexibility and adaptability of our people when in a geostrategic position, we always have to deal with difficulties, natural disasters, and enemies. If we are rigid, we certainly cannot survive. Without flexibility and adaptability in management, how can we overcome difficulties?

The world and regional situation in recent years, especially since the emergence and outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the international strategic environment is and will have very remarkable changes, with new characteristics and new trends appearing in many key areas of society, from politics, diplomacy, security, defense to socio-economics, science and technology... Strategic clashes between major countries, trade wars, technology, sovereignty disputes, many potential risks, new unstable factors. The world economy is in crisis, a serious recession that may last for a long time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new context requires our Party to have new thinking and a new vision to make strong decisions, bringing the country to rapid and sustainable development. The draft document of the 13th National Congress emphasizes: Arousing the aspiration to develop the country, strongly promoting the cultural values, Vietnamese people and the strength of the times, mobilizing all resources, developing rapidly and sustainably on the basis of science, technology and innovation; by 2030, becoming a developing country with modern industry and high average income and by 2045 becoming a developed country with high income.

If we do not develop quickly, the opportunity for development will be lost, but if it is fast but not sustainable, we will not develop in the end. To develop quickly, we must rely on innovation, creativity, and promote the application of science and technology, first of all, the application in production and business. Resources for rapid development such as natural resources, cheap labor, etc. have reached their limits or are increasingly decreasing in importance.

The focus in the coming period is to continue promoting innovation in the economic growth model, strongly shifting the economy to a growth model based on increased productivity, scientific and technological progress, high-quality human resources, and economical and effective use of resources to improve the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the economy.

In an article titled “Preparing and conducting the 13th National Party Congress well, bringing the country into a new development stage” in September 2020, General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized three important contents to realize the country's development goals by 2045 in the context of international and regional situations that continue to have many complex, rapid, and unpredictable changes, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.

First of all, it is necessary to focus on comprehensively perfecting the socialist-oriented market economic system. Second, it is necessary to create real institutional breakthroughs to solve practical and specific problems. Third, it is necessary to promote breakthroughs in building modern and synchronous infrastructure, creating a foundation to promote the development of new industries and fields, especially the digital economy, digital society and digital government.

Innovation but not “color change”. The head of the country has also repeatedly affirmed: “It is necessary to thoroughly grasp the spirit:We must definitely innovate, butInnovation without straying from principled issues, without deviating or changing direction; proactively and actively integrating while still maintaining national identity”. This is an immutable principle that our Party and State have put forth and persistently implemented throughout 35 years of innovation./.