Every visit to Ho Chi Minh City impresses Dr. Philipp Rösler – not just the skyline, but the unmistakable energy of a society undergoing profound transformation. Once defined by the Vietnam War, today’s Vietnam is a nation of 100 million people, characterized by youth, innovation, and economic vitality.

Since the launch of the Doi Moi reforms in 1986, Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s most exciting growth stories. GDP has risen from $27 billion to over $500 billion, and a thriving middle class is shaping the future. With an average age of just 33, Vietnam’s population is remarkably entrepreneurial – nearly every household engages in some form of business.

High-tech has reached even the rice fields: drones distribute seeds, and farmers use smartphone apps to manage sustainable agriculture. Digitalization is far more than a buzzword – it’s visible in cities and villages alike. Vietnam now boasts a flourishing tech sector, developing AI, blockchain, streaming platforms, and even its own electric vehicles. Remarkably, apps like Switzerland’s Twint were built by Vietnamese developers.

Vietnam’s success stems not just from policy reforms, but from cultural virtues: discipline, diligence, and a strong work ethic – traits Rösler compares to the post-war German and Swiss economic models. Despite being a socialist one-party state, Vietnam demonstrates that it’s the strength of institutions, not necessarily the system of government, that fuels sustainable growth.

Challenges remain, especially around corruption and bureaucracy. Yet, as Rösler – former German Vice Chancellor and current Secretary General of Global Neighbours – writes, Vietnam offers a lesson to Europe: progress depends on values, not governance alone. In a world of shifting powers, Vietnam stands out as a model of ambition, innovation, and resilience.

All Pictures: Dr. Rösler

Originally published in Weltwoche (German): Read the full article