In his opening speech, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasised that preparing for the 14th Congress is a central and especially important task, with personnel planning and document drafting being the two key factors that determine the Congress’s success and the country’s future development in the coming period.

"Personnel work is the key of all keys. When selecting and nominating candidates, we must put the interests of the Party, the nation, and the people above all else," stated the Party leader.

According to the General Secretary, based on the nominations submitted by all Party committees and organisations, the Politburo has discussed and finalised a personnel list, which will be presented to the Central Committee for feedback and voting. The list includes nominations for official and alternate members of the 14th Central Committee, both returning and first-time candidates. The plenum will also review and vote on candidates for the 14th Inspection Commission of the Party.

The top leader particularly held that personnel selection must prioritise virtue, competence, integrity, reputation, efficiency, and the willingness to take responsibility, while absolutely preventing opportunists, factions, or those who seek power through improper means from entering the Central Committee.

Regarding the draft documents for the 14th Congress, General Secretary Lam noted that they have been carefully prepared and revised multiple times, incorporating feedback from previous Central Committee plenums. These documents aim not only to summarise the past five years but also to outline a long-term strategic vision for national development through the mid-21st century. Seventeen new key points have been introduced in the current draft.

According to the Party leader, the documents underscore the importance of Party building and rectification, the fight against corruption and negative practices, as well as strengthening national defence, security, diplomacy, and international integration.

Among the highlights are plans to innovate the growth model by making science, technology, digital transformation, and innovation the driving forces of development; continuing the development of a socialist-oriented market economy; affirming the leading role of the State-owned sector, and recognising the private sector as a key engine of growth.

With regard to socio-economic development achievements, Party General Secretary Lam remarked that the overall socio-economic picture of Vietnam in 2025 remains positive, despite considerable external and domestic challenges including global uncertainties and natural disasters.

GDP grew by 8.22% in Q3, bringing year-to-date growth to 7.84%. State budget revenue reached nearly VND2 quadrillion, equivalent to 97.9% of the annual target, while the trade surplus hit nearly US$17 billion. All 15 key socio-economic indicators for 2025 are expected to meet or exceed their targets, with full-year GDP growth projected at 8.1 - 8.5%.

"This is the result of tremendous efforts by the entire political system, the Government, the National Assembly, all levels of authority, the business community, and the people," he stated.

However, the General Secretary also noted that underlying structural challenges in the economy remain and must be addressed to ensure more sustainable growth.

Looking ahead to 2026, the first year of the new leadership term after the 14th Party Congress, the General Secretary set forth ambitious goals of GDP growth above 10%, GDP per capita of US$5,400–5,500, and the consumer price index (CPI) increase of around 4.5%.

"These are mandatory targets, but extremely challenging," he stressed, calling on the Party Central Committee to deliberate and provide strategic direction so that the goals should be achieved.

Personnel work for 14th Party Congress guided by flexibility and openness

VOV.VN - While the planning process has long been rigorous and clearly defined, it must also remain highly flexible to allow for the identification and inclusion of individuals with moral integrity and professional competence. At the same time, those deemed unqualified must be removed from the personnel work.