Mehdizade, in an interview with VOV on the sidelines of the congress, said he was impressed by the strong sense of unity, discipline and forward-looking orientation reflected throughout the event, which takes place at a pivotal moment for Vietnam’s development trajectory.

The ambassador also commended the thorough and professional preparation of the congress, saying the extensive public consultation process and broad communication through mass media. This approach, he stated, highlighted the CPV’s discipline, openness and close connection with the Vietnamese people.

The diplomat remarked, one of the key highlights of the congress documents was the emphasis on “strategic autonomy” alongside deeper international integration. He described this as a reflection of Vietnam’s growing confidence in shaping its own development path amid global uncertainty.

According to the ambassador, strategic autonomy enables Vietnam to safeguard national interests, strengthen economic self-reliance and pursue a balanced, diversified and independent foreign policy. At the same time, deeper global integration continues to deliver tangible benefits, including access to advanced technologies, modern governance practices and global markets.

In his view, the development targets set by the congress, including an average GDP growth rate of around 10% during 2026–2030 and the goal of becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle-income status by 2030 are ambitious but achievable.

He stressed that Vietnam has already demonstrated strong transformative capacity over recent decades, transitioning from a centrally planned system to a dynamic market-oriented economy. With a disciplined and adaptable workforce, clear strategic direction from the Party and government, and sustained reform momentum, Vietnam is well positioned to realise these objectives, he told VOV.

The ambassador also welcomed the congress’s decision to place science, technology, digital transformation and the knowledge economy at the centre of Vietnam’s development strategy.

In an era where global competition is increasingly driven by innovation, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, investment in education, high technology and digital infrastructure will determine the quality of long-term growth, he said.

Mehdizade added that reaffirming the role of the market economy and the private sector was a sound policy choice, noting that a competitive private sector can become a key driver of technological innovation and productivity gains.

On governance, the ambassador praised the CPV’s strong commitment to fighting corruption and waste. He stated transparency, digitalisation and effective oversight mechanisms are critical tools for strengthening public trust and improving national governance, while also enhancing Vietnam’s international credibility.

The continued emphasis on supervision and accountability at the 14th Party Congress reflects a long-term and forward-looking approach to governance reform.

Looking ahead, Mehdizade said the congress opens a new chapter not only for Vietnam’s development but also for Azerbaijan–Vietnam relations, which are built on a foundation of traditional friendship and important historical ties.

Based on the bilateral strategic partnership and guidance from the two countries’ leadership, Azerbaijan stands ready to deepen cooperation with Vietnam in areas such as energy, renewable energy, the digital economy, transport, education and high technology, aiming to deliver long-term benefits to both nations, he concluded.

Vietnam and Azerbaijan boost defence industry cooperation

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Azerbaijan agreed to step up cooperation in the defence industry as part of their growing Strategic Partnership, during talks in Hanoi on December 25 between Vietnam’s Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Industry Vugar Mustafayev.