Singaporean scholar impressed by Việt Nam’s successes

Associate Prof. Bilveer Singh, deputy head of the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore

SINGAPORE — Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV), Việt Nam has become one of the most impressive, optimistic and successful countries, a Singaporean scholar has said. 

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s reporters in Singapore, Associate Prof. Bilveer Singh, deputy head of the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore, highlighted the country’s outstanding political stability.

Việt Nam was among the countries in the world with the most successful economic growth over the past five years, which remained positive (nearly 3.0 per cent) in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he added. 

The economic growth had reflected the CPV’s sound policies as well as the balance between domestic and external trade, while demonstrating that domestic economic bases, whether agriculture and industry, had borne fruits. 

Singh also commended the country’s achievements in external affairs and national defence with highlights over the past five years, notably in 2020, such as ASEAN Chairmanship, non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council and hosting the signing ceremony of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement that forms the biggest trade area so far.

The scholar expressed his impression on the number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities in Việt Nam that remained very low in comparison with those in other countries in Southeast Asia and the world, given its population of nearly 100 million. 

Regarding the 13th National Party Congress, scheduled to take place from January 25 to February 2, Singh said the event would be of special significance as it would put forth socio-economic development plans for the country in the next five years when Việt Nam has to face the impact of the pandemic and competition among trading partners at the same time. 

The scholar suggested Việt Nam carry forward its performance in handling internal matters, while tightening its coordination with other ASEAN member countries. 

Việt Nam would need to continue with COVID-19 prevention and control measures, maintain economic growth and political stability, and prove its role in regional and international issues, he said. 

Singh expressed his belief that with those efforts, Việt Nam would bring a lot of benefits to ASEAN, and become a “middle power” in Southeast Asia in the next 10-20 years. — VNS