WEF President Børge Brende Praises Vietnam’s Self-Reliance Vision

On June 26, Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, tweeted on X about Vietnam’s vision. He stated, “Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shared Vietnam’s ambitious vision for growth and global balance during our session at Summer Davos.” This came after a key discussion with Vietnam’s prime minister on ‘Vietnam’s New Era: From Vision to Action.’ This meeting happened on June 25, at the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC25) in Tianjin, China. Chinh emphasized the idea of the country’s self-reliant economy goal. 

A Grounded Vision with Strong Roots

During AMNC25, Chinh declared Vietnam’s goal to become a high-income nation by 2045, targeting 8% GDP growth this year. It is now the world’s 32nd largest economy and has reached upper-middle-income status. In 2024, Vietnam’s GDP approached $500 billion, with total trade turnover nearing $800 billion. Vietnam’s leader also mentioned Vietnam’s 19 free trade agreements. These are with China, the U.S., the EU, Japan, and Korea. The Prime Minister noted that Vietnam’s high openness makes it vulnerable to external shocks. The PM highlighted, “We must keep people and development in motion to generate fresh momentum,” which is a part of the self-reliant vision.

A Self-Reliant Economy Built on National Identity

Prime Minister’s message about a self-reliant economy wasn’t abstract. He grounded it in Vietnam’s painful yet proud past. PM mentioned, “We endured decades of war. Over three million Vietnamese suffered from Agent Orange. More than 300,000 fallen soldiers are still unaccounted for.” Also added, “But we rose by relying on our strength.” Vietnam’s development model blends market principles with socialist orientation. “We respect supply and demand, value, and competition,” Vietnam’s leader explained. Yet, the soul of this model lies in the country’s identity. He emphasized three pillars for self-reliance that the Vietnamese people, the nation’s natural resources and geography, and its 4,000-year cultural heritage.

The Prime Minister emphasized, “We consider internal resources fundamental and decisive.” He added, “But we also embrace external resources like technology, talent, and capital as important breakthroughs.” Vietnam’s leader didn’t shy away from modern challenges. He recognized that future growth must come from more than just exports or investment. “We are now focusing on science and technology, digital transformation, green development, and the circular economy.”

Balancing Friends, Markets, and National Interests

Vietnam’s foreign policy is built on balance. “The US is our largest export market. China is our largest import partner,” said Chinh. “We must remain friends with all, and never side against anyone.” He restated Vietnam’s “Four No’s” defence principle: no military alliances, no foreign bases, no siding with one against another, and no use of force. Vietnam aims to deepen international cooperation while maintaining independence. Vietnam’s leader  noted, “We pursue a foreign policy of self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralism.” The emphasis is not only diplomatic, it reflects an effort to insulate the economy from global risks without retreating from globalization.

Self-Reliant Vision Rising with Resolve

As the dialogue closed, Prime Minister Chinh shared a line that struck a chord. He concluded with, “The greater the pressure, the greater the effort must be.” The country knows its challenges, climate vulnerability, global fragmentation, and rising protectionism. But it also knows its strengths. The vision of a self-reliant economy is not about isolation. It is about standing firm while embracing change. It means staying open to the world while anchored in history, people, and values.

As the PM highlighted, “Innovation begins with the right mindset. Momentum comes from within.” In Tianjin, Vietnam outlined a strategic economic roadmap, but also presented a broader development philosophy. It shared a message of belief in its people, in resilience, and in a future where self-reliance fuels global integration.