April 30, 1975 marked the end of the Vietnam War. Since then, the country has changed profoundly.
By Anna Affranio
April 30, 1975 marks one of the most dramatic dates of the 20th century: the fall of Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, signaled the end of the Vietnam War and the beginning of a new era that put an end to two decades of division, mourning, and destruction. Fifty years later, the country that was once the stage of one of the most painful conflicts of the Cold War is now a dynamic actor on the international stage and a strategic hub in global supply chains.
The iconic images of helicopters lifting off from the roof of the American embassy, the fleeing crowds, and the silence that fell over a devastated city are part of the collective memory not just of Vietnam, but of the world. For many, the fall of Saigon was synonymous with the defeat of a social and economic model, the loss of political and ideological references, and exile for those who had strongly supported a Western-style development. Today, half a century later, that memory remains alive: in the museums, the monuments, and in the way Vietnamese society has processed the past without becoming its prisoner.
In the years immediately following reunification, Vietnam faced enormous challenges: economic embargo, international isolation, and a slow and difficult reconstruction. But starting in the late 1980s, with the Đổi Mới (renovation) policy, the country began a path of economic reforms and market liberalization that radically transformed its productive and social structure, lifting it from one of the world’s poorest countries to middle-income status in just a single generation1.
Today, Vietnam is fully integrated into global supply chains: it is one of the world’s leading exporters of electronics, textiles, footwear, furniture, and agricultural products. Companies like Samsung, Intel, Nike, and Apple have established manufacturing plants in the country, attracted by a young, skilled, and competitive workforce, and by political stability—a strategic asset in an increasingly turbulent Asia. Additionally, the electronics and semiconductor sector has grown at an impressive pace: today, Vietnam is one of the top global exporters of smartphones and electronic components, while Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are emerging as tech startup hubs, supported by a growing ecosystem of venture capital and digital innovation.
Vietnam is not just a manufacturing hub: in recent years, it has become one of the most active diplomatic players in Southeast Asia. It has signed a long series of free trade agreements with strategic partners, including the EU, Japan, the UK, and the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) bloc. It has skillfully balanced relations with both China and the United States, maintaining an independent yet cooperative stance, and becoming one of the main promoters of ASEAN cooperation. Not by chance, Vietnam’s foreign policy has been nicknamed “bamboo diplomacy,” as defined by Nguyen Phu Trong, secretary of the Communist Party—“firmly rooted in the ground, solid in principles, flexible in strategy.”
The country has also taken on an increasingly visible role in UN peacekeeping missions and multilateral forums, presenting itself as an open, pragmatic nation committed to building a stable and multilateral international order.
One must also mention Vietnam as a fast-growing tourist destination: it has become one of the most popular and expanding destinations in Southeast Asia, with the government aiming to reach 23 million tourists this year. In 2023, it welcomed over 12 million international visitors, drawn by its breathtaking natural landscapes (such as Ha Long Bay, the northern mountains, the beaches of Da Nang and Phu Quoc) and a rich historical and cultural heritage: ancient temples, colonial architecture, iconic street food, and vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Just 50 years after the fall of Saigon, Vietnam has managed to shed its image as a "war country," transforming itself into a modern, dynamic reality with a clear strategic vision. The memory of the conflict remains etched in the national consciousness, but it is no longer the only narrative. Today’s Vietnam is a country in motion, looking to the future with awareness, determination, and a deeply international spirit.
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