Hanoi (VNA) - The 13th National Party Congress, scheduledto take place in Hanoi from January 25 to February 2, is attracting attentionboth in Vietnam and around the world, as it will mark an important milestone insetting out orientations for the country’s reforms, integration and developmentin the time ahead.

Alberto Salazar, a resident reporter of the Latin American NewsAgency Prensa Latina in Vietnam, told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) that the 13th National Party Congress will have a direct impact on not only the macro-economyand society but also on each individual.

He recognised that this topic is part of people’s daily conversations. Theyare greatly interested in the 13th National Party Congress, as theyknow that decisions made will directly affect their lives.

The National Party Congress is the most significant event in Vietnam andthe Communist Party’s leadership has always been a decisive factor in thecountry’s destiny throughout different periods in history, he said.

Having worked in the Southeast Asian country for three and a half years,Salazar said he has witnessed a number of positive changes, especially new works,and he feels safer here than anywhere else in the world.

The reporter also spoke highly of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV)’sdirect and consistent efforts in harmoniously coordinating with the Governmentto steer the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and recover the economy.

“The Communist Party has exerted every effort to ensure that even in themost trying of times, like fighting the pandemic, Vietnam remains among very fewcountries to post positive growth and guarantee social security,” he said.

Vietnam’s economy grew 2.91 percent in 2020 despite the pandemic - apace many countries would envy even in normal times, Salazar noted, adding thatmost international organisations predict it will expand 6 percent this year.

In the interview, the Prensa Latina correspondent also highlightedVietnam’s success as ASEAN Chair in 2020 despite the COVID-19 crisis. It heldmany teleconferences and phone talks with leaders of countries in the regionand the world to coordinate the pandemic response strategy and maintaincontact.

Vietnam also proposed many initiatives during the first year of itsnon-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021,including securing recognition of December 27 as the International Day ofEpidemic Preparedness, which was supported by all member states.

Its already high position on the international arena was enhanced afterthe successful fulfilment of these dual roles last year, he said.

“The Vietnamese people can be proud of their Communist Party,” Salazarsaid. “Likewise, the Communist Party can be proud of its people,” the reportedstressed.

He also assessed preparations for the 13th National Party Congressas being swift and effective, which will ensure its success.

As the resolution of the upcoming National Party Congress will guaranteeboth the present and future of the country, and the event will also issue a visionfor the country’s international integration process, he believed that Vietnam,which has long been respected by the world, will secure an even higher standingin the years to come./.