Mexico City (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s recent visit to Brazil to attend the extended BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, in the capacity of a partner country, stands as a clear testament to Vietnam’s rising stature on the global stage, according to an article by Regeneración – the official publication of Mexico’s ruling party National Regeneration Movement (Morena).

In the article, which praises Vietnam’s recent remarkable progress, author Pedro Gellert noted the participation not only underscores the nation’s increasingly prominent and important role on the international stage, but also provides a valuable opportunity for it to strengthen bilateral ties with member countries and explore cooperation across a range of sectors.

The piece highlights that the Southeast Asian country is now admired not only for its historic victories in national liberation and reunification but also for its impressive socio-economic achievements in the modern era.

Since initiating the Doi Moi (Renewal) reforms in 1986, Vietnam has maintained strong momentum. In 2024, the country posted a GDP growth rate of 7.09%, placing it among the fastest-growing economies globally. Forecasts suggest it could join the world’s top 20 economies by 2029.

The author noted that under its socialist orientation, Vietnam has made concerted efforts to improve living standards, yielding significant results. Per capita income now stands at 4,711 USD annually, while the multidimensional poverty rate has dropped to just 1.93%, a dramatic decline from around 60% in 1986. The adult literacy rate has neared 99%, and as of 2024, national health insurance coverage stood at 94.1%.

According to the article, Vietnam has also prioritised science, technology, and innovation, developing a dynamic start-up ecosystem and improving workforce quality. The Government has actively promoted inclusive policies on ethnicity, religion, gender, children and the elderly. Notably, the Voice of Vietnam radio network broadcasts in 13 ethnic minority languages, underscoring the state’s commitment to cultural preservation in a unified nation.

These accomplishments have earned Vietnam the 54th spot out of 166 countries in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, reflecting well-rounded progress across economic, social and environmental dimensions.

In a world marked by deep polarisation and uncertainty, the author commended Vietnam for steadfastly pursuing an independent and proactive development strategy, coupled with deep international integration. To guide national development in its new era, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam has outlined major strategic pillars for progress.

The article particularly applauds Vietnam’s comprehensive and open foreign policy of multilateralisation, diversification, cooperation, and shared responsibility in building a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous world./.