"Wherever they are, Vietnamese intellectuals always stand alongside the nation’s development journey”

In a recent interview granted to the Public Security Newspaper, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Le Hung (35) — a lecturer at Gustave Eiffel University in France and the author of numerous prestigious international scientific publications, shared his faith, high expectations for the 14th National Party Congress, and spoke about the aspiration and willingness of Vietnamese intellectuals at homeland and overseas to contribute to the nation’s development in the time to come.

Milestone opening a new era of national development

Reporter: As a young scientist working abroad who closely follows domestic affairs, how do you think of the significance of the 14th National Party Congress for development of the country in the future?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Le Hung: The 14th National Congress is of paramount importance, particularly when our nation has new opportunities and a fresh development momentum. As the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong stated that Vietnam "has had the biggest-ever fortune, the largest-ever potential, the highest-ever position, and the most-ever international prestige today," the 14th National Party Congress serves as a critical time to review the past journey and define strategic schemes for the following phase.

As a Vietnamese national working overseas, I maintain a constant watch on our country's advancement. I hold absolute confidence in the Party's leadership and the State's governance, and I am always heartened by the achievements attained by our nation.

My life in a foreign country has provided me with chances to learn about various international development models and governance methods, which has helped me comprehend more and highly appreciated the path Vietnam has chosen. Our Party has been chosen by the people, and the great achievements over the past years, including political stability and economic growth as well as the country’s rising status in the world and the steady improvement of our people's lives, are strong testaments to the right choice of our Party. Most notably, the intensive campaign against corruption and negative phenomena along with the slogan "no restricted zones and no exceptions," serves as vivid evidence of the Party's sound and steadfast leadership.

Therefore, I believe the 14th Congress is more than just a periodic political event; it is a milestone marking a new era of national development driven by a stronger mindset, a longer-term vision and more decisive action. My primary feeling for the 14th National Party Congress is a firth faith in the collective wisdom, mettle and political will of the Party having been tested through challenging historical periods, and a fervent aspiration for a prosperous nation in the coming stage.

This faith is associated with the hope that our country will continue to grow rapidly and sustainably. I wish economic growth in couple with social progress and justice, the firm conservation of national independence and sovereignty, a rise of Vietnam's position and prestige on the international stage. I trust that the 14th Party Central Committee will stay steadfast with these objectives while introducing breakthrough policies to ignite national aspirations, particularly among the young generation.

Reporter: What specific contents within the draft documents for the upcoming National Party Congress give you such confidence and delight at the nation's future trajectory?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Le Hung: The draft documents for the 14th National Party Congress contain significant shifts, clearly setting out development goals that will serve as the compass leading our nation to progress in the coming period. I am particularly struck by the emphasis on "taking science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as primary drivers". This orientation perfectly matches with the aspirations of the vast majority of Vietnamese people, reflecting a clear harmony between the Party’s vision and the public’s will.

The clear path defined for Vietnam, bolstered by Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, regarding breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, serves as a vital premise. It provides foundations for the political system and the people to actively engage in scientific and technological advancement. This encourages bold investment in research and the application of new ideas into daily life to enhance labor productivity and overall quality of living.

Furthermore, "digital transformation" has become an inevitable reality in modern life. It is not merely about reducing administrative red tape through data digitization, but it is also a solution for climate change adaptation and sustainable development. Amidst the current Fourth Industrial Revolution, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in every facet of life is a growing trend that bridges geographical divides, connects ideas with practice, and turns dreams into reality.
These clear orientations have met public expectations, uniting millions of Vietnamese hearts in a collective effort to build the future. The vision of a rising Vietnam is closer to the reality than ever, as we strive together to successfully realize the two "centenary goals," including the milestone of the Party’s 100th anniversary in 2030, which is now fast approaching.

Vietnam’s prestige and the mission of its diaspora

Reporter: How do you perceive the country’s current position, image and prestige in the international arena? What do you think when international partners and friends talk about the 14th Congress?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Le Hung: Since the initiation of the "Doi Moi" (Renovation) era, under the Party's leadership and through innovative mechanisms, such as Resolution 10 and the opening of our economy, Vietnam has secured monumental achievements in all sectors, especially politics, diplomacy, science and technology, economy, society and culture.

These accomplishments are deeply rooted in the tireless efforts of the political system and the consensus of the entire population. This serves as clear evidence of the strength found in our great national unity bloc, echoing President Ho Chi Minh's timeless sentiment: "Our Party is a revolutionary party, and the Party has no other interest beyond the interests of the workers and farmers".

Throughout 40 years of Doi Moi, the domestic standard of living has improved remarkably. We have transitioned from a period of scarcity to one of prosperity. The statistics does not tell a lie: Vietnam's GDP was ranked 33rd globally in 2024, with a robust growth rate of over 7%.

International friends and partners consistently speak highly of our Party’s strategic leadership and the unity of our people. From the objective opinions, I have become increasingly aware of my own responsibility and mission to contribute my heart and mind to specific, breakthrough projects that serve as the backbone of Vietnam’s development.

Reporter: How do you think when the Party get the overseas Vietnamese community’s opinions on the draft documents for the 14th National Party Congress? What does the overseas intellectual community expect and wish to contribute to the nation’s new development path?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Le Hung: Over the past years, the Vietnamese community of more than six million people abroad has consistently accompanied the nation’s development by making concrete and practical contributions. The open consultation of overseas Vietnamese on the draft documents for the 14th National Party Congress has brought me and many other overseas Vietnamese, a very special feeling – the feeling of being listened to, respected and having our role affirmed as an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation.

Further, the 14th National Party Congress bring many new expectations to the community of overseas Vietnamese intellectuals. As they have received solid training, had access to cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements as well as an in-depth understanding of the international environment, overseas Vietnamese intellectuals can certainly become an important bridge between Viet Nam and the rest of the world. Their engagement not only helps supplement the country’s pool of high-quality human resources, but also contributes to promoting innovation in thinking, governance, and development approaches.

More importantly, the broad consultation of overseas Vietnamese on the draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress further strengthens the great national unity bloc, ensures consistency in action and policy orientations, and reinforces confidence in the Party’s absolute leadership and the State’s governance. Overseas Vietnamese are not only an internal source of strength for the Vietnamese nation, but also active defenders in the fight to safeguard the Party’s ideological foundation — resolutely refuting hostile and distorted narratives that may undermine national interests — and serve as ambassadors bringing the image of Viet Nam to the international arena.

Reporter: Thank you very much, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Le Hung!