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SCMP Reporter

The 30th anniversary of the fall of Saigon yesterday evoked painful memories of a war that claimed more than 3 million lives.

But the celebrations in Vietnam were less concerned with recalling the past than on looking to the nation's future. The message from the government was one of reconciliation.

The approach is  in keeping with the progress made by Vietnam since the war - and its aspirations to become a modern, developed country within the next 15 years. Vietnam has been transformed since the communist victory in 1975.

The government has a good case for arguing that it not only won the war - but is successfully handling the peace.

The Communist Party's legitimacy has, for the past 30 years, been based on its dramatic victory over American and South Vietnamese forces. But it is increasingly more dependent on the ability to deliver economic growth.

In recent years, Vietnam has had one of the highest growth rates in the region - about 7 per cent a year. The number of people living in poverty has been significantly reduced.

Private enterprise is flourishing. New businesses are entering the market, smart urban properties are being snapped up and tourists are flocking to luxury resorts.

Vietnam is now a big exporter of coffee and rice. The moves towards capitalism that began in the mid-1980s have had a huge impact.

With these developments come problems. The gap between rich and poor is growing. There is a need to spread the wealth, particularly to the poor, mountainous central and northern regions.

Corruption is rampant - and a top priority for the government. The bureaucracy is still too bloated and there is a long way to go in improving religious freedom and other human rights.

These are challenges that must be faced as the nation develops closer ties with the rest of the world.

Vietnam is gradually playing a bigger role on the world stage. It is hoping to secure membership of the World Trade Organisation this year and is due to hold an Apec summit in Hanoi next year.

Most striking of all are the relations  being developed between Vietnam and its former arch-enemy, America. A landmark trade deal was sealed five  years ago and has exceeded expectations. US warships are now allowed to visit. A possible visit by Vietnam's prime minister to the White House in the near future would seal the warming of ties.

The Vietnam war left deep scars and many terrible memories - in that country, America and other nations involved in the conflict. Its impact is still being felt.

But the Vietnamese government is right to use yesterday's anniversary to look ahead to more peaceful and prosperous times. The past should not be forgotten - but neither should the need to build a better future.



From the fall of Saigon  to the rise of Vietnam