"Officials" say one thing and do another, damaging the Party's reputation.

That was the sharing of General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong when answering an interview with Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of Spring Ky Hoi 2019.

We would like to introduce to readers the content of the interview:

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong. (Source: VNA)

- Dear General Secretary and President, looking back at 2018, we can see a picture with many bright spots, a synchronous and comprehensive movement in all fields. Could you share your assessment of the most outstanding results of the past year?

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong:In 2018, in the context of facing many difficulties and challenges, our country continued to develop rapidly and quite comprehensively in most areas. We have completed all 12 planned targets, of which 8 targets were exceeded. GDP growth reached a higher level of 7%, GDP scale was more than 245 billion USD, per capita about 2,580 USD. Macroeconomics continued to be stable. Inflation was controlled; consumer price index remained below 4%. Exports continued to increase and this year the trade surplus reached a record level of more than 7 billion USD. The start-up and innovation movement was supported and promoted, with more than 132,000 newly established enterprises. The tourism industry welcomed nearly 15.6 million international visitors, served 80 million domestic visitors, total revenue reached 620,000 billion VND, gradually developing into a spearhead economic sector of the country.

In the cultural and social fields, the results achieved are very important, contributing positively to improving the material and spiritual life of the people, stabilizing politics, and social order and safety. Nearly 40% of communes nationwide have met the new rural standards. The poverty rate according to the new standards has decreased to 6.8%. The cause of culture, sports, education - training, people's health care, ensuring social security, developing science - technology... has many positive changes. Vietnamese football has achieved many successes in the regional arena, arousing pride and national solidarity, creating an exciting atmosphere in society.

Foreign affairs and international integration activities have been promoted, contributing to firmly protecting the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and strategic interests of the country, consolidating a peaceful and stable environment for development, enhancing the prestige and position of our country in the international arena. Vietnam's ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP); its first election to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law for the 2019-2025 term; sending a Field Hospital to join the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in South Sudan... demonstrate Vietnam's proactiveness and active responsibility in the process of international integration, maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for the cause of national construction and defense.

The results achieved have many causes, but the most important is thanks to the unanimity, the synchronous and harmonious participation of the entire political system and society in implementing the set goals and tasks, in which the leadership role of the Party, the management of the State, and the mastery of the people are fully and properly promoted. The work of building the Party and the political system continues to be promoted; the work of preventing and combating corruption, negativity, and waste is deployed resolutely and synchronously, achieving specific and clear results, which are highly appreciated and agreed upon by cadres, party members, and the people.

The Government and localities have made efforts to innovate and improve the organizational apparatus, improve capacity and operational efficiency. The National Assembly continues to improve the quality of its operations towards increasing democracy and discipline. Judicial agencies operate vigorously and resolutely, completing a large volume of work in accordance with their assigned duties and tasks. The Fatherland Front and organizations and unions actively participate in socio-economic development, Party building and the political system, promoting the people's mastery...

An atmosphere of excitement and confidence is spreading throughout society and among the people. This is very meaningful. With the achievements and experiences gained, the participation of the entire political system and the consensus and trust of the entire people are a great source of motivation and a solid foundation for the completion of the goals and tasks of 2019 and the entire term.

- Last year, the fight against corruption and negativity was carried out vigorously and strongly from the central to the grassroots levels, and was supported and agreed upon by cadres, party members, and the people. But there were also concerns that there would be a "slowdown" after a "climax," Mr. General Secretary and President?

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong:The fight against corruption and negativity is an important issue and a major concern of the entire Party and people. In every voter meeting, people mention it and contribute many opinions to the Party and State.

Since the beginning of the term, especially in 2018, under the strong direction of the Central Steering Committee on anti-corruption, the authorities have actively participated, speeding up the verification, investigation, and handling of serious and complicated corruption and economic cases, especially in the fields of oil and gas, banking, land management, public assets, etc.

Many major cases, including those that existed many years ago, have been investigated, clarified, and handled fairly, in accordance with Party regulations and State laws. Many officials, party members, leaders, and managers at all levels who committed violations have been handled and disciplined, including high-ranking Party officials, leaders of ministries, branches, provinces, cities, or generals of the armed forces... thereby showing that there are no forbidden zones, no exceptions, and no privileges in the fight against corruption and negativity.

It can be seen that the fight against corruption and negativity has been carried out vigorously and synchronously, bringing about clear results in reality, receiving the support and appreciation of cadres, party members and people. However, this is not just a "climax", and it cannot "slow down". Because the fight against corruption and negativity is a long-term, thorny, and harsh struggle, cutting off the "boils" within oneself, it is very painful but must continue to be done, resolutely, persistently, tenaciously and must be done very methodically and firmly, for the purity, strength and prestige of the Party, for the sustainable development of the country, for the wishes and happiness of the people.

I have said many times that in the fight against corruption and negativity, it is not only important to deal with it severely that is good, the main thing is to deter and prevent violations from happening, and only when there is no other choice but to apply unwanted measures. "Fighting" is important and urgent, we must resolutely do it to deter and warn, but "building" is fundamental and long-term.

Anti-corruption must be closely linked to streamlining the organizational apparatus to operate effectively and efficiently; improving the operational efficiency of public service units; reforming salary and social insurance policies; building a team of key officials at all levels, especially at the strategic level... perfecting institutions, policies, and laws so that there are no "gaps" or "loopholes," so that corruption cannot be committed, does not dare to commit corruption, and no longer wants to commit corruption.

In particular, the press agencies play a very important role in enhancing publicity, transparency, propaganda and mobilization so that every cadre, party member and citizen is clearly aware of their responsibility in the fight against corruption and negativity, does not get caught up in corruption, negativity and contempt, and courageously condemns corrupt and negative acts. In particular, cadres and party members must always be exemplary and take the lead, especially key cadres and heads of Party committees at all levels; the higher the cadre, the more exemplary they must be.

- Recently, our Party has issued Regulations on exemplary responsibility of cadres and Party members, first of all Politburo members, Secretariat members, and Central Executive Committee members. Along with promoting the spirit of self-awareness, what needs to be done to put those regulations into practice, Mr. General Secretary and President?

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong:The exemplary role of cadres and party members has been mentioned for a long time, many times in Party documents, resolutions and regulations, but Regulation 08, for the first time, specifically mentions the exemplary responsibility of Politburo members, Secretariat members and Central Executive Committee members. This Regulation clearly states 8 things that Politburo members, Secretariat members and Central Executive Committee members must take the lead in implementing; 8 things that must be strict with themselves and resolutely opposed.

The higher the position, the greater the responsibility to set an example. Setting an example seems vague and abstract, but it is reflected very specifically in each cadre and party member, in their relationship with relatives and family; in performing assigned duties and tasks, do they complete their work well? Is their political ideology steadfast and absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland and the people? Are their ethics and lifestyle pure, impartial and objective? Is their working style close to the people, wholeheartedly serving the people?

In reality, the people's trust in the Party is based on specific cadres and Party members who practice what they preach; the Party wants to lead the masses through good cadres and Party members who are always exemplary in all fields. Uncle Ho once advised: "A living example is worth more than a hundred propaganda speeches."

Cadres and Party members who violate the principles, regulations, and Party Charter, go against the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's policies and laws, do not properly perform their assigned duties and tasks, take advantage of their positions for personal gain, personal gain, favors for family and relatives... more or less "have their hands dirty", then no one will listen. "Officials" who say one thing and do another, call on others to save while they themselves are extravagant, wasteful, spend money on assets, State funds, and people's tax money, gamble, party excessively... not only fail to set an example, but also damage the Party's reputation and lose the people's trust.

Setting an example is the responsibility, duty and morality of cadres and party members. But in a broader view, setting an example is a leadership method of the Party, an important content of the work of building the Party and building the cadre team. If setting an example is done well, the effect will be enormous, because it has the power to spread and convince the masses with the power of belief, love and admiration. On the contrary, if cadres and party members do not cultivate and train themselves, do not keep themselves "proper", the consequences will be extremely dangerous for the Party, the country and the people.

Setting an example is first of all a voluntary act, but voluntary action alone is not enough. Setting an example can only be effective when it is placed in the overall work of Party building, closely linked with cadre work. Therefore, our Party has issued and implemented many resolutions, regulations, and rules on organizational work, cadres, and party members, in order to overcome limitations and weaknesses and prevent negativity, building a cadre team that is truly the most exemplary and advanced.

In particular, Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the 7th Central Conference (12th tenure) identified 8 groups of tasks and solutions, systematically and scientifically mentioning the building of a contingent of cadres, especially strategic-level cadres, who are truly exemplary in revolutionary ethics, political mettle, intelligence, purity, exemplary in all aspects, with sufficient qualities, capacity, and prestige equal to the task.

- Along with stepping up the fight against corruption and negativity, our Party has taken systematic steps in personnel work and is currently building a strategic-level personnel plan to prepare for the 13th Party Congress. It seems that Party building work is being given more attention than other areas, Mr. General Secretary and President?

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong:The Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress clearly identified socio-economic development as the central task; Party building as the key task; culture as the spiritual foundation of society; national defense and security as the essential and regular tasks. Those viewpoints and policies of the Party have been concretized into resolutions of the Central Executive Committee and actively implemented into real life.

Since the beginning of the term, through 9 conferences, the Central Executive Committee has issued 14 thematic resolutions, including 4 thematic resolutions on Party building and political system building (continuing to build and rectify the Party, preventing and repelling degradation, "self-evolution" and "self-transformation" within the Party; innovating and streamlining the political system's apparatus to operate effectively and efficiently; innovating the organization and management system, improving the quality and efficiency of public service units; building a contingent of cadres at all levels, especially at the strategic level, with sufficient qualities, capacity and prestige to match the tasks); 5 thematic resolutions on economic development (continuing to innovate the growth model, improving growth quality, labor productivity and competitiveness of the economy; perfecting the socialist-oriented market economic institution; restructuring, innovating and improving the efficiency of state-owned enterprises; developing the private economy into an important driving force of the economy; Strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy to 2030, vision to 2045), 4 thematic resolutions on social issues (protecting, caring for and improving people's health; population work in the new situation; reforming wage policies; reforming social insurance policies), 1 thematic resolution on improving the effectiveness of the international economic integration process.

It can be seen that in the Party's leadership and direction, all four pillars are always focused on in a synchronous and comprehensive manner and have created important and clear changes in all fields.

In 2019 and the coming years, we will continue to consolidate the macroeconomic foundation, maintain growth momentum while improving growth quality, promote the implementation of three strategic breakthroughs, innovate the growth model and restructure the economy. There is much to continue to do and do better, but first of all, we must create clearer changes in administrative reform, substantially remove bottlenecks and barriers to investment, production and business activities of people and enterprises, and unleash all resources for development. At the same time, we must pay more attention to building and developing culture, society, building people, and implementing social progress and equity in every step and every development policy.

Along with focusing on prioritizing the fundamental and systematic handling of pressing social issues today such as the gap between rich and poor, social morality degradation, increasing social evils, etc., it is necessary to pay special attention to educating and nurturing the qualities, ethics, and personality of Vietnamese people, preserving and promoting the traditions and cultural identity of the nation. In addition, it is necessary to continue to consolidate and strengthen the national defense and security potential, maintain the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Fatherland, and effectively carry out foreign affairs and international integration.

And the task that is always given special importance and has "key" significance is to do better in Party building, to build a truly clean and strong political system that operates effectively and efficiently. In particular, the work of cadres is the "key" of "keys", we must choose and arrange cadres with virtue, talent, integrity, dedication, and who truly serve the country and the people to hold leadership positions in the State apparatus; fight against all manifestations of "buying positions and power," preferential recruitment of unqualified relatives, and resolutely eliminate corrupt and corrupt people.

Tighten discipline and order, create strong changes in public service performance, improve ethics, culture and professionalism, sense of responsibility and spirit of serving the people of cadres, civil servants and public employees; resolutely fight against corruption, negativity and waste.

The goals and orientations are like that, but the important thing is to be determined, proactive, and creative in leading, directing, and organizing the implementation of the proposed tasks and solutions well, bringing about specific and substantial results, helping the country continue to develop, move forward step by step firmly, and further improve the material and spiritual life of the people.

-Submitting the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to the National Assembly for ratification is the first task of the President after being elected. Could you please tell us what Vietnam expects when joining this Agreement?

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong:Vietnam is one of the first members to join the CPTPP. This is a concrete step to realize the policy of our Party and State in the process of international economic integration; affirming the important role and geopolitical position of Vietnam in the Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific region and in the international arena.

By joining the CPTPP, we have more favorable conditions to penetrate a large market with about 500 million consumers, accounting for 13.5% of global GDP, including large economies such as Japan, Canada, Australia... These are also highly developed countries, so implementing the commitments in the CPTPP will help Vietnam actively improve the investment and business environment, attract foreign investment and advanced technology. Joining the CPTPP also helps Vietnam continue to perfect the socialist-oriented market economic institution, support the process of renewing the growth model, restructuring the economy; create more jobs, and increase income for workers.

At the same time, the implementation of CPTPP will contribute to deepening the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and CPTPP member countries. Besides opportunities and advantages, joining CPTPP also poses many challenges for Vietnam. However, in the context of increasing trade protectionism in the world, joining CPTPP is of great significance for Vietnam, aiming to take advantage of external resources along with promoting internal resources, effectively serving the cause of building, protecting and developing the country.

-On the occasion of the Spring of the Year of the Pig 2019, what does the General Secretary and President have to say to our compatriots, soldiers nationwide and overseas Vietnamese?
General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong:A new Spring is coming, we can be happy and proud of the important and comprehensive results in most areas that the entire Party, people and army have strived for and achieved in the past year. Those results not only give us many valuable lessons, but also create a solid foundation for the country to continue to develop, innovate and integrate successfully.

The year 2019 is of great significance in successfully implementing the Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress and the 5-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2016-2020), preparing for the 13th National Party Congress. I hope that our compatriots and soldiers nationwide, and overseas Vietnamese will always join hands and unite, successfully carry out the set goals and tasks, bringing the country into a period of rapid and sustainable development, with increasing position and strength.

On the occasion of the traditional Lunar New Year 2019 of the nation, I would like to send my best wishes to my compatriots, soldiers nationwide, and overseas Vietnamese, wishing everyone and every family a joyful, excited, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

- Thank you very much, General Secretary and President!