Economic growth for better lives

Dong Nai provincial Party Committee has selected the 2025 theme for studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style: "Economic Development in Parallel with Social Welfare to Improve People's Lives."

Dong Nai Newspaper had an interview with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dung, Member of the Central Theoretical Council and Director of the Political Academy Region II, about the significance of this topic.

 Urgent requirements

Reporter: What is the significance of studying this topic for Dong Nai?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dung: This is an urgent requirement today. Ho Chi Minh's ideology places people at the center of development: “For the benefit of ten years, plant trees; for the benefit of a hundred years, cultivate people.” This guiding principle ensures that economic growth is not only strong but also equitable, with fair distribution and guaranteed social welfare so that no one is left behind.

Implementing this topic will enhance the leadership capacity of the Party, strengthen its ties with the people, and support socio-economic development. It will also help the country withstand challenges, uphold the socialist orientation, and ultimately improve people's lives.

Ho Chi Minh's ideology on economic growth and social welfare

Reporter: How did Ho Chi Minh express his views on economic development tied to social welfare and improving people's lives?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dung: Ho Chi Minh emphasized that economic development must create a solid material foundation for long-term social stability. He advocated for a comprehensive and balanced economy, covering agriculture, industry, commerce, finance, banking, transportation, architecture, culture, education, healthcare, and services.

Economic development must directly benefit the people. He believed that ensuring social welfare means securing fundamental human rights—the right to life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. For these rights to be realized, the country must be independent and free, allowing citizens to live in peace and prosperity.

His vision for social welfare was clear: “People must have enough food, clothing, access to education, healthcare, and support in old age.” He stressed that a government of the people, by the people, and for the people must prioritize improving citizens’ living standards. He stated:

"If the people are hungry, cold, or sick, the Party and Government are at fault."

Leveraging Dong Nai's strengths for development

Reporter: How do you assess Dong Nai's current approach to economic development and social welfare?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dung: Dong Nai has achieved strong and stable economic growth, with its economic structure shifting toward industry and services. The province has implemented various policies to align economic development with social welfare.

Key achievements include:

Education and healthcare improvements: By 2025, the province expects to have 10 doctors per 10,000 people, with an average life expectancy of 76.4 years.

Poverty reduction: The poverty rate has dropped to 0.1%.

Industrial expansion: Rapid industrial growth has created jobs but also environmental and social challenges. Issues such as pollution, security concerns, and cybercrime require attention.

Applying Ho Chi Minh’s ideology in Dong Nai

Reporter: How should Dong Nai implement Ho Chi Minh's principles to balance economic development and social welfare?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dung:: The province must focus on key local issues while integrating this ideology into Party building, governance, and grassroots movements.

Key actions include:

Recognizing and rewarding effective models while eliminating corruption and bureaucracy.

 Leveraging strategic advantages like Long Thanh International Airport and Bien Hoa Dual-Use Airport to boost logistics, trade, education, and technology.

Encouraging high-tech industries, sustainable agriculture, and service sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism.

Enhancing regional and global integration through modern transport systems and logistics hubs.

Adopting green growth strategies, digital transformation, and a circular economy to ensure long-term sustainability.

Strengthening public safety, crime prevention, and urban planning to maintain order and improve livability.

"To achieve sustainable development, Dong Nai must ensure that every citizen benefits from economic growth, has access to quality services, and enjoys a high standard of living," concluded Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dung.

Reported by P.Hang