Singapore (VNA) – Vietnam is entering a new era of national rise toward the goal of becoming a developed nation, with more opportunities than challenges ahead, according to Professor Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Singapore, Professor Khuong highlighted Vietnam’s progress in the key sectors of urban development, steel production, and automobile manufacturing.

He emphasised that the country is witnessing a profound and comprehensive shift, particularly through institutional reform and the ongoing streamlining of government structures.

From a nation devastated by war and weighed down by a centrally planned economy, Vietnam has risen to the forefront of reform, he said. The first major turning point came with the 1986 “Doi Moi” (Renewal) reform, which liberated production forces, empowered farmers, and allowed the private sector to grow. The current reform wave, which he described as a “second reform,” goes beyond dismantling old barriers to building the foundations of a modern nation.

Regarding the revolution of streamlining the apparatus and reorganising the country, Khuong commented that this is a strong reform, and the two-level government is a strategic turning point.

He praised the dedication of Vietnamese officials, highlighting their genuine commitment to unlocking the country’s potential and serving the people.

He suggested pilot programmes in selected localities to test ways of ensuring grassroots administrations focus directly on citizens’ needs while leveraging new technologies, including artificial intelligence. Such pilots, he said, could become valuable lessons for other developing countries.

If Vietnam can resolve the challenges of infrastructure, legal procedures, and human resources within the next three to six months, this reform will be achievable, he noted, stressing that many officials are capable and ready, provided they receive strong institutional support.

Vietnam has already achieved remarkable progress, but the opportunities ahead are even greater, Prof. Khuong remarked.

The scholar also underscored the importance of digital technology in easing administrative burdens, allowing officials to devote more attention to addressing public concerns. Harnessing digital transformation, he said, will help Vietnam fully realise its untapped potential.

This is the moment for Vietnam to enter a deep and comprehensive qualitative transformation, where opportunities continue to outweigh challenges, he said./.