Within the framework of the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, a high-level policy dialogue took place between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Mr. Stephan Mergenthaler, on November 26, under the theme “Science and technology shaping Vietnam in the era of ascent.”
During the dialogue, which lasted over 60 minutes, PM Chinh addressed numerous questions concerning issues of strategic significance posed by the coordinator.
The dialogue session aimed to achieve three main objectives: to discuss Vietnam's strategic development direction in the era of national ascent, with a focus on green transformation and digital transformation; to affirm Vietnam's commitment and role within the international community in promoting green growth, sustainable development, and the Net Zero 2050 goal; and to promote global cooperation in technology, finance, innovation, and human resources, thereby contributing to shaping Vietnam's position in the new economic order.
When asked about the key decisions that will help Vietnam advance toward the goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045, the Prime Minister emphasized two main points:
First, Vietnam remains steadfast in its policy of "shelving the past, looking toward the future," respecting differences, and proactively expanding foreign relations. Many countries that were once former adversaries have now become friends, partners, and even Comprehensive Strategic Partners. This stands as one of the most important decisions, serving as a foundation for the country's development.
Second, science and technology constitute the path for Vietnam to reach high-income status by 2045. Looking back at its development history, Vietnam rose from an agricultural economy and a poor nation rooted in a wet-rice civilization. The specific effort to transition from agriculture to industry—in which the development of science and technology serves as the key factor—will enable the country to catch up with new global trends and achieve its 2045 income goals.
Vietnam's resilience in a volatile world
In the second question, the coordinator asked the Prime Minister—fresh from his return from the G20 Summit in South Africa—to analyze in greater depth the factors that have enhanced Vietnam's resilience in a highly volatile world.
"We must accept these risks to identify opportunities and advantages," PM Chinh said. "There are grounds for optimism: First, through difficulties and pressure, humanity is compelled to strive harder and aim higher. Second, despite polarization and fragmentation, peace, cooperation, and development remain the dominant trends. Third, science and technology, innovation, and digital and green transitions serve as new growth drivers—a connecting thread contributing to resolving the difficulties and challenges the world is facing. Regarding economic linkages, nations are also making efforts to address supply shortages and disruptions."
The Prime Minister highlighted that in a challenging context where global economic growth has slowed, Vietnam’s growth has accelerated; while global public debt has risen, Vietnam’s public debt ratio has decreased; and both the scale of the economy and GDP per capita have increased. National defense and security have been safeguarded, sociopolitical stability maintained, and the country's international standing elevated.
PM Chinh stated that these achievements are due to the leadership of the Communist Party, whose ultimate goal is the independence, freedom, prosperity, and happiness of the people; the spirit of great national unity; and the strength derived from the people and businesses—emphasizing that the people create history.
He also cited the combination of national strength with the strength of the era; steadfast adherence to the path of socialism; and the maintenance of independence and self-reliance. This involves building an independent and self-reliant economy closely associated with proactive, active, deep, substantial, and effective international integration.
Solutions for green and digital transformation
In the third question, Mr. Mergenthaler asked the Prime Minister to share his insights on the role of "dual transformation" (digital and green transformation) for Vietnam.
PM Chinh emphasized that this is an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority for Vietnam in its pursuit of rapid and sustainable development. He noted that digitalization and "greening" are two parallel facets of a single process that are closely interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
To achieve this dual transformation, he said, it is first necessary to raise awareness regarding the position, role, and importance of dual transformation. This awareness must then be translated into action through specific, feasible, and effective solutions, which he categorized into five groups: institutional perfection; infrastructure development; database construction; human resource training; and smart governance.
Simultaneously, mechanisms and policies must be established to mobilize resources. Public-private partnerships (PPP) must be promoted to effectively utilize State resources. State capital should play a leading role, serving to activate and mobilize all social resources, including non-state resources and those from businesses and the public.
Furthermore, external resources must be mobilized. The Prime Minister affirmed that internal resources are fundamental, strategic, long-term, and decisive, while external resources are important and groundbreaking. Regarding external resources, the Prime Minister specified cooperation in capital attraction, technology transfer, human resource training, and governance.
Prime Minister Chinh stated that Vietnam is vigorously implementing three strategic breakthroughs regarding institutions, infrastructure, and human resources.
Accordingly, institutional breakthroughs help facilitate conditions for citizens and businesses while reducing compliance costs; modern infrastructure serves to lower input costs for enterprises and enable participation in global value chains; and high-quality human resource training meets the demands of the transformation.
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