The question that the late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng once pondered—“By the end of this century, will Vietnam have achieved a fully developed socialist society?”—now seems to have an answer. Vietnam has set a goal to become a highly developed socialist nation by 2130. A vision spanning more than 100 years—far enough into the future that those setting the goals today will no longer be held accountable when that day arrives.
But how “highly developed” is “highly developed”? Based on what criteria? Who will verify it? It remains unclear. Perhaps the answer will be left to future generations. In 2006, Vietnam set a goal to essentially become a modern industrialized nation by 2020. Then, by 2030 and 2045, new milestones were set. Goal follows goal; promise follows promise.
The people probably don’t need dreams that far off. They simply hope that leaders will do a good job with today’s tasks: less traffic congestion, fewer flooded cities, and a less difficult life. Because 100 years from now, hardly anyone will still be alive to enjoy the fruits of those achievements. But today, people are still living with the unresolved problems of yesterday.
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