Historian Pedro de Oliveira, General Secretary of the Brazil–Vietnam Friendship Association (Photo: VNA)

A decisive factor in Vietnam’s victories during its resistance wars was the spirit of self-reliance, resilience, and unwavering determination of its people, held historian Pedro de Oliveira, General Secretary of the Brazil–Vietnam Friendship Association.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025), Pedro de Oliveira stated that another crucial factor was the astute leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the Vietnam People’s Army, and key figures such as President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap.

Another critical was the immense support from peoples worldwide, including solidarity movements within the colonial and imperialist countries in Europe and America. He recalled that Brazil also contributed to that history of solidarity with strong student movements advocating for peace and an end to the war in Vietnam.

The founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) not only marked a historic milestone for the Vietnamese nation but also sent a powerful message to the world about the rise of the national liberation movement and the aspiration for independence among colonised countries, he underscored.

The spirit of self-reliance in Vietnam was not only shown in wartime but has continued to be confirmed in the country’s post-war reconstruction. After the war, Vietnam faced numerous challenges - the devastating legacy of Agent Orange/dioxin, destroyed infrastructure, and millions dead or disabled. Yet, Vietnam overcame these hardships to achieve the remarkable scoio-economic progress seen today, he stated.

When asked about the Doi Moi (Renewal) scheme, the historian regarded the 6th National Congress of the CPV in 1986 as a pivotal turning point. Vietnam adopted the policy of building a socialist-oriented market economy, ushering in a new phase of development characterised by the coexistence of multiple economic sectors, with the state playing a leading role in strategic fields.

Despite external embargoes and blockades, Vietnam’s Doi Moi model has proven its superiority.

According to him, Vietnam has not only achieved rapid growth but also steadily improved the living standards of its people, developed science and technology, and consolidated its social foundations. He emphasised that this success vividly demonstrates the adaptability, resilience, and intellect of a nation rising from the ashes of war to assert its place on the international stage./.

Source: VNA