In the process of transitioning to a market economy, Vietnam is facing two major challenges: on one side, the contradiction between individual interests and the common good, and on the other, the conflict between short-term growth and long-term development. These challenges are manifesting through issues like corruption, unchecked exploitation of natural resources, and ineffective public investment. To overcome these, the country needs a comprehensive strategy, ranging from improving governance capacity and ensuring transparency, to making strong investments in education, healthcare, and culture—fundamental pillars for sustainable development in the future.
Since transitioning to a market economy at the end of the 1980s, Vietnam has achieved significant accomplishments in growth and international integration. However, as the author has pointed out in previous articles, this development journey has not been smooth but fraught with major dilemmas. On one hand, economic growth has generated wealth and jobs, while also bolstering the credibility of the government. On the other hand, it has left behind negative consequences, such as corruption, environmental degradation, and rising inequality.
In a series of articles, the author has also highlighted the contradictions in key areas such as anti-corruption efforts, privatization, and corporate governance. For example, in the fight against corruption, leaders often face an "information dilemma"—when a lack of transparency makes it difficult to trace corrupt behavior—and an "implementation dilemma"—when enforcement agencies themselves are both enforcers and potential subjects of investigation. Similarly, while privatization improves economic efficiency, it also creates opportunities for vested interests to manipulate the system, leading to inequality and undermining public trust.
The Crucial Dilemmas in Sustainable Development in Vietnam
In the context of rapid economic development, Vietnam faces major challenges in achieving sustainable development. Two prominent and overarching dilemmas are: first, the conflict between individual interests and the common good, and second, the tension between short-term growth and long-term development. These are not just policy issues but require balancing competing priorities, demanding strategic vision and decisive action.
Individual Interests vs. Common Good: A Vicious Cycle of Conflict
The development of any country must strike a balance between individual needs and the collective well-being of society. In Vietnam, this vicious cycle is exacerbated when individual interests—such as corporate profits, the power of elites, or corruption among officials—threaten to overshadow the common good. The result is that, instead of creating prosperity and fairness, national resources are misused, the environment is destroyed, and social welfare is diminished.
A classic example can be seen in the real estate sector, where some businesses and officials exploit their positions to maximize personal gain by converting agricultural land or forests into urban areas and resorts, selling plots even when ownership is disputed. This not only causes environmental imbalance but also leads to thousands of people losing their farmland or homes, exacerbating social inequality. Another example is the extraction of natural resources, such as coal or sand, to fuel short-term industrial growth, which severely damages the environment and threatens the community’s water security. Furthermore, mismanagement in public investment, project approvals, and poorly planned urban development leads to corruption and inefficiency.
These challenges are not only issues for policymakers but a call to action for society at large. Only by controlling individual interests, improving governance quality, and aligning development investments with long-term goals, can Vietnam aspire to a prosperous and fair future—one where all citizens have opportunities to participate in and benefit from development.
What has led to this situation? One key factor is the strong drive for short-term gains. Businesses pursue profits at all costs, while some officials exploit their power for personal benefit. Additionally, weak governance, limited state administrative capacity, and a lack of transparency have created fertile ground for corruption and the growth of vested interests.
So, how can the balance between individual interests and the common good be achieved? The solution lies not only in building transparent and accountable systems but also in comprehensive judicial reform to ensure that power is controlled and the law is enforced fairly. More importantly, improving governance, ethics, and social responsibility among leadership—placing national and public interests above all else—will be key to reducing these conflicts.
Leaders must focus on creating a positive legacy for the nation, rather than accumulating personal or family wealth. A deep sense of responsibility for leaving a sustainable development legacy will be a driving force to curb corruption and self-interest while fostering trust in society. This mindset is not innate; it must be cultivated through an educational system that emphasizes humanism, integrity, and less dogmatism, fostering a positive attitude toward knowledge for the service of others and society, not just for selfish gain or academic achievement.
In its overall national strategy, the state must recognize its role in sectors that ensure the health of its citizens as well as the development of both intellect and human dignity—key areas for sustainable and long-term development such as education, healthcare, and the environment. Increasing investment in these sectors, as well as encouraging a nonprofit, socially responsible spirit in investment, will not only improve social welfare but also lay the foundation for sustainable development.
Short-term Growth vs. Long-term Development: A Tough Choice
Meanwhile, the challenge between short-term growth and long-term development is equally pressing. Vietnam has achieved significant economic milestones, but much of this growth has relied on short-term factors such as foreign investment, real estate development, or resource exploitation. This has made the economy vulnerable to fluctuations and limited its ability to develop in a self-sustaining and long-term manner.
For example, preferential treatment for large or well-connected businesses has weakened the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the engines of many developed economies. Moreover, the lack of investment in research and development (R&D) has made Vietnam dependent on foreign technologies, rather than fostering domestic creativity and innovation. Another issue is the uncontrolled development of the real estate market, where many businesses have shifted from core industries to property speculation, causing imbalances in the economy and contributing little to long-term development.
To overcome this challenge, priority must be given to investment in people. Education and healthcare are key areas. Education is not only the foundation for intellectual growth but also helps form a creative workforce capable of adapting to changes in the economy. Investment in healthcare ensures the physical well-being of citizens, while preserving and promoting cultural values nourishes the spiritual life, creating a healthy and cohesive society. Simultaneously, policies to support small and medium-sized businesses, promote R&D, and encourage foreign investment with a focus on technology transfer are essential steps to enhance the economic autonomy of the country.
A Holistic Approach: Balance and Integration
These two dilemmas are not independent; they are, in fact, two sides of a larger issue: how to develop the economy without sacrificing social and environmental sustainability. To address this, a strategy combining these solutions is needed. Transparency and accountability not only help curb corruption but also build trust among businesses and citizens. Shifting growth priorities from quantity to quality will help build a strong foundation for the future. In particular, strong investment in education, healthcare, and culture—as previously discussed—will not only create capable and responsible citizens but also promote the overall development of the nation.
These challenges are not just a puzzle for policymakers but a call to action for society as a whole. Only when individual interests are controlled, governance quality is improved, and development investments are closely tied to long-term objectives can Vietnam look toward a prosperous and fair future, where all citizens have the opportunity to engage in and benefit from development.
Orginal Article: Thế lưỡng nan trọng yếu trong quản trị nhà nước (thesaigontimes.vn)
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