Moment of breakthrough
Professor Jonathan London, Senior Economic Advisor of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam, has had over 30 years of research in Vietnam in sociology, political economy, and public policy. He said that Vietnam today is among the most successful developing countries in driving growth. The country’s goals on digital transformation, private sector development, streamlining political system, and international integration show visionary leadership.
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Professor Jonathan London, Senior Economic Advisor of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam |
He stressed that Vietnam is standing at a historic juncture, with all the conditions in place to make a breakthrough.
According to the professor, in critical times, including resistance wars or the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam has shown outstanding capacity to mobilize society and effectively coordinate ministries and sectors.
He added that UNDP is working with Vietnam’s Party Central Committee’s Commission for Policy and Strategy to design a strategic development program. He suggested Vietnam learn from successful Asian countries like Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, while tailoring strategies to its own context. He underlined that clear strategies, detailed action plans, accountability mechanisms, and intersectoral coordination are essential for breakthrough.
Having lived in different regions in Vietnam, he has witnessed major milestones of this S-shaped country. He was deeply moved by local people’s unity and pride during national celebrations, and showed his impressions of the residents’ consensus, and aspiration for peace, independence, and development.
He recalled the heartfelt image of people along Hanoi’s streets joyfully cheering the parade formations passing by, saying that it reflected the strong bond between troops and people and on a deeper level, it was an expression of gratitude to the older generations who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s peace and independence.
Extraordinary Vietnam
Carl Johan Lindholm, a Swedish-American businessman, Northern Regional Director of Al Fresco Group Vietnam and CEO of WEATWORK Co., Ltd., has nearly 35 years working in hospitality industry, including 20 years in Hilton and other global brands, and 10 years in Vietnam.
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Carl Johan Lindholm and his wife |
He says Vietnam’s unique strengths lie in its natural beauty, long coastline, and above all, the unmatched hospitality of its people. According to this businessman, what makes Vietnam truly attractive to tourists is the country’s beauty and its people, especially local people’s extraordinary hospitality. “The natural smiles and heartfelt dedication found here are something you don’t easily encounter in Europe,” he said.
Lindholm is particularly impressed by the inner strength of Vietnamese workers, their willingness to act for collective good, not just personal gain. He recalled when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, his company quickly shifted from short-term hotel rentals to long-term villa and apartment rentals with private kitchens, keeping occupancy at 20% to 30% while the global tourism industry collapsed. All staff chose to stay and work together.
This year, he and his Vietnamese wife joined the crowds in Hanoi during the National Day celebrations, sharing the festive spirit. Seeing people flocking joyfully to the capital to welcome the parade, he could feel their deep national pride.
He said that in the past, Vietnam was often associated with war, bombardments and destruction. Today, the Vietnamese people have the right to be proud of 80-year national achievements. “That is truly extraordinary,” he stated.
Translated by Mai Huong