A new year with new achievements!

With a strong belief and hope, with the determination and efforts of the entire Party, people and army, with a competitive spirit, we have fulfilled and exceeded the socio-economic targets.

Macroeconomic stability was maintained, major balances were guaranteed and inflation was kept in check, helping the economy to grow by 7.08%, the fastest pace in the past ten years. The economy expanded while public debt shrank. The business environment improved markedly, while labour productivity and the competitiveness of the economy were also enhanced. Substantial progress was seen in socio-cultural affairs and many remarkable achievements were recorded in sports.

The standard of living continued to improve. National defence and security strength was enhanced, political security and social order were guaranteed; external relations and integration were strengthened and recorded many outstanding achievements. The position and reputation of Vietnam on the international stage continued to be strengthened.

The task of Party building and rectification continued to be pushed through with encouraging results, contributing to building a pure and strong Party, enhancing the leadership and combat capacity of the Party. Significant results were achieved in the fight against corruption and wastefulness.

Under the firm leadership of the Party, significant accomplishments over the past three years, and particularly in 2018, have produced major transformations, creating a new spirit, new momentums and new opportunities, reinforcing the confidence of cadres, Party members and people in the Party and State. This forms a highly important basis and mental motivation to successfully realise the 12th Party Congress Resolution and the 2016-2020 socio-economic development plan.

As we step into 2019, the global and regional situations remain complex and unpredictable. The country still faces a great deal of difficulties and challenges. 2019 is a year for acceleration, instrumental in triumphantly realising the 12th Party Congress Resolution.

Speaking at an online conference on socio-economic development in 2019 between the central government and localities, General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong pointed out that "Identifying the situation correctly and outlining the coping measures are very important to national construction, defence and development. But what is more important and more decisive is the resoluteness, dynamism and creativity in leading and directing the effective implementation of the outlined tasks."

A new year has arrived equipped with the mental motivation from 2018's impressive achievements. With an absolute confidence in the Party's leadership, the entire Party, people and army will join forces and make a concerted effort to overcome all difficulties however challenging they are.

A new year with new achievements is awaiting us!

(Source: NDO)