10 outstanding events of Vietnam in 2022

1. GDP growth exceeds plan in the context of gloomy world economy

Vietnam's GDP growth in 2022 is expected to reach 7.5-8%, higher than the set plan of 6-6.5%; inflation is controlled at 3.1-3.3%; total import-export turnover exceeds 700 billion USD; total realized foreign direct investment is about 21 billion USD, up more than 8% compared to 2021.

This is an impressive result in the context of a world economy with declining growth momentum, high inflation and living costs.

2. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to China - an important milestone in bilateral relations

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is the first high-ranking foreign leader that General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping received immediately after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, demonstrating the high importance he attaches to the relationship between the two Parties and two countries.

The visit from October 30 to November 1 added momentum, strengthened neighborly friendship, enhanced political trust and deepened the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Thirteen cooperation documents in many fields, of which the economy accounted for the majority, were signed.

3. Establish a provincial/municipal Steering Committee on anti-corruption and negativity

All 63 Provincial/Municipal Party Standing Committees have established Steering Committees for preventing and combating corruption and negativity in localities.

With the strong and synchronous participation of the Steering Committees at the central and local levels, many corruption and negative cases involving collusion from the central to local levels, between some leaders at all levels and enterprises, and especially major cases involving non-state enterprises such as Viet A, FLC, Tan Hoang Minh, An Dong, etc. have been brought to light.

4. Issue 6 resolutions on socio-economic development and ensuring regional national defense and security.

For the first time, the Politburo issued 6 resolutions on socio-economic development and national defense and security to 2030, with a vision to 2045, of 6 economic regions to promote the advantages of each region and strengthen intra-regional and inter-regional connectivity.

At the 3rd Session, the National Assembly also decided on the investment policy for 5 key transport projects, creating breakthroughs in infrastructure and connecting space between regions across the country.

5. Vietnam opens borders, successfully organizes SEA Games 31

The 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) took place from May 5-23, right after Vietnam decided to reopen tourism activities from March 15.

With the success of the 31st SEA Games, Vietnam is highly appreciated for its organization, professional achievements as well as its work in promoting the image of the country, people and tourism of Vietnam after more than two years of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Big fluctuations in the corporate bond market

The corporate bond market – a medium and long-term capital channel – was negatively affected when a number of cases related to corporate bond issuance were prosecuted. Individual investors resold bonds before maturity due to concerns that businesses would not be able to repay their debts.

To regulate the operation of this market, on September 16, the Government issued Decree No. 65/2022/ND-CP amending Decree 153/2020/ND-CP regulating the offering of corporate bonds; requesting the Ministry of Finance to continue reviewing and amending Decree 65, ensuring publicity, transparency, rights and legitimate interests of investors and safety and security of the financial and monetary market.

7. Vietnam leads Southeast Asia in digital economic growth

According to Google, Temasek and Bain & Company, the total value of Vietnam's digital economic goods in 2022 is estimated to reach 23 billion USD, an increase of about 28% compared to 2021, leading Southeast Asia in terms of growth rate.

According to data from the Ministry of Information and Communications, the revenue of the digital economy in 2022 is estimated to reach 148 billion USD, an increase of more than 10% compared to 2021.

8. Local gasoline shortages in many localities

In October and November, people in many localities had to wait in long lines to buy gasoline or were only allowed to buy gasoline according to quotas. This situation is a result of complicated developments in the world oil market and also reveals shortcomings in the management of gasoline trading.

Following the Government's direction, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the State Bank have urgently come up with solutions to resolve this situation.

9. Unusual flooding in the Central region

On October 14 and 15, Da Nang and several central provinces were deeply flooded due to post-storm circulation combined with heavy rain with rainfall up to nearly 700mm in 24 hours. High tides occurring at the same time further slowed down the flood drainage process. People's lives were severely affected.

This historic flood warns of increasingly serious climate change, requiring strategic response measures.

10. Vietnam entered the Women's World Cup Finals for the first time

The Vietnam women's football team has become one of six Asian representatives to participate in the 2023 Women's World Cup Finals. This is the first time Vietnam has participated in the biggest women's football festival on the planet.

At the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), the Vietnamese women's football team successfully defended the championship.

According to VNA