Wang Jiarui, Head of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the statement during his talks with the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Beijing on Jan. 19, the closing day of Vietnam’s 11^th National Party Congress.

“The 11^th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) is a great event that commences the second decade of the 21st century,” Wang said.

He expressed hopes that by thoroughly grasping the spirit of the 11^th National Party Congress, the Vietnamese people will step by step accomplish the goal of turning their country into a strong socialist country with wealthy people and a democratic, equitable and civilised society.

Wang noted in the past five years under the CPV’s leadership, Vietnam’s renewal cause has been unceasingly sped up with political stability, fast economic development, the people’s improved living conditions, and positive changes in the country.

He affirmed that under direct instructions from the two countries’ leaders and joint efforts made by the two peoples, the China-Vietnam cooperation and friendship had been constantly strengthened and boosted.

*** India’s newspaper “The New Age” ran an article highlighting socio-economic achievements Vietnam has recorded during its 25 years of Doi moi (renewal process) on the occasion of the 11th National Party Congress.

It confirmed Vietnam’s achievements in boosting the socialist-oriented market, eradicating poverty and reducing unemployment.

In addition, Vietnam has made some remarkable achievements in industry and agriculture, with annual average economic growth standing at 7 percent.

In 2010 in particular, the country’s GDP reached US$101.6 billion, increasing more than threefold in comparison to the past five years and per capita income rose to US$1,168 per year.

Vietnam has also become the world’s second largest rice exporter, following Thailand, with six million tonnes of rice exported last year.

A number of socio-economic development goals for the next five to ten years given in the political report at the Party Congress was also referred to. The author said these goals showed the determination of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vietnamese People in the socialist oriented national development strategy and achieving their goals of improving living conditions and the efficiency and the quality of development alongside combining economic growth with realisation of social progress and equality.

The article also reflected the interests of citizens in the Congress process and spoke highly of the Party’s self-criticising spirit while admitting its shortcomings and faults that affected the implementation of some development goals set by the 10^th National Party Congress.

*** The Chairman of the Cuba National Assembly, Ricardo Alarcon, has emphasised the importance of the 11^th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) on Vietnam’s way to building a socialist country.

In an interview with a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Havana on January 18, the Chairman confirmed that the Congress reflects the CPV’s determination to implement its key task of developing the country under the Party’s leadership.

He also highly praised the Vietnamese people’s contributions to the congress’ Political Report, which he said, showed a spirit of democracy and a close connection between the Party and people to increase the Party’s leading role.

Chairman Alarcon spoke highly of Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements during nearly 25 years of renewal and said that the CPV’s achievements are also those of Cuba, which will strengthen relations between the two countries.

Despite the challenges posed by the global economic crisis, climate change and conflicts around the world, Vietnam has consolidated its political system and national unity together with maintaining independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and a socialist society.

Vietnam has applied creatively Marxism-Leninist and Ho Chi Minh Thoughts to implement its renewal process, he stressed, underlining the historical value of Ho Chi Minh Thoughts.

In his opinion, the Vietnamese and Cuban people who are imbued with solidarity have always stood side by side to overcome challenges over half a century.

He also said he believes that the 11^th National Party Congress will be a success and new leaders will lead Vietnam to become an industrialised country.