Party chief calls for comprehensive reforms to foster development and prosperity

Speaking at a conference held on January 8 in Hanoi reviewing the Government’s and local administrations’ performance in 2024 and outlining tasks for 2025, the Party leader stressed the importance of streamlining the political system. He clarified that this requires not merely downsizing but also significant reforms in state governance, enhanced transparency, and increased decentralization.

Achieving targets amid unprecedented challenges

In his keynote address, General Secretary To Lam expressed admiration for the compelling achievements reported by the Government and various ministries. Despite facing significant “turbulent waves” and, at times, “storms” on national, regional, and global scales, Vietnam successfully fulfilled and surpassed its socio-economic development goals for 2024. Notably, the country met and exceeded all 15 key targets outlined in the year’s plan.

"Macroeconomic stability was maintained, with economic growth exceeding 7%, the highest in both the region and the world amid global challenges. The economic structure continued transitioning toward industrialization and modernization, marked by an increased share of industries, construction, and services, while agriculture saw a decline.

A record trade surplus of over US$20 billion was achieved. Digital and green economies emerged as new growth engines, aligning with global sustainable development trends. Digital transformation yielded significant results, highlighted by the implementation of Project 06. E-government was enhanced, administrative reforms were effectively implemented, improving governance quality and accelerating modernization across socio-economic fields. These achievements reflect the concerted efforts of the entire political system and the people, working toward sustainable development and elevating Vietnam’s position regionally and globally," the Party leader said.

Promoting results-based management

The Party leader underlined the need to shift away from rigid, prohibition-based management approaches and adopt a results-oriented framework. He underlined the importance of innovating budget allocation to create new opportunities and momentum for development.

He called for bold reforms in financial, banking, and monetary systems, along with improving the legal framework to ensure transparency, coherence, and fairness. Addressing systemic overlaps and inefficiencies is essential to establishing a stable and enforceable legal foundation, he noted.

Economic growth, macroeconomic stability, and inflation control remain key priorities for building a robust economy, adhering to the principle of development for stability and vice versa, the Party chief added.

To achieve an 8% economic growth rate in 2025 and double-digit growth in the 2026–2030 period, he urged comprehensive measures focusing on institutional breakthroughs, resource mobilization, and eliminating subsidy-driven and bureaucratic practices.

Harnessing collective strength and intensifying innovation

The General Secretary stressed the need to leverage the strength of all economic sectors by building an efficient administration and creating a safe, transparent, and cost-effective business environment aligned with international standards. He highlighted the importance of protecting legal property rights and ensuring business freedom.

He called for accelerated digital transformation, greater connectivity between authorities, businesses, and citizens, and addressing resource wastage in stalled planning, unused public land, and unresolved disputes.

Investing in infrastructure and sustainable development

The General Secretary emphasized prioritizing investments in national strategic infrastructure, including road and high-speed rail projects, seaports, airports, and energy systems. He highlighted the importance of advancing renewable energy development, particularly hydrogen and nuclear power, and enhancing climate resilience.

He also prioritized developing digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and establishing a National Data Centre to support the digital economy and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. Promoting the adoption of technologies like 5G and researching 6G technologies are critical steps to creating new economic opportunities and safeguarding national resources and sovereignty.

The Party leader laid stress on the importance of effective economic restructuring and innovation in growth models to enhance national competitiveness. He called for balanced investments in cultural and social development alongside economic progress to cultivate a civilized and progressive society.

He highlighted the need for policies that support children’s independence, national pride, and ambition, while ensuring social welfare, poverty reduction, and equality. Encouraging cultural industries, promoting gender equality, and advancing sports were also emphasized as critical components of improving quality of life.

Strengthening security and global integration

The General Secretary called for decisive measures to maintain political security, public safety, and social order while enhancing foreign relations and international integration. Reforms in the Party’s leadership methods were deemed essential to improving governance and Party-building efforts.

Reflecting on recent years, he praised the unity and determination of the Party, government, and people in overcoming challenges and achieving remarkable progress. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in Vietnam’s strength, resources, and resolve to usher in an era of prosperity and national development.

The General Secretary emphasized that every leader, Party member, and public servant must embrace the vision of the "New Era—an era of prosperity and national growth" as a guiding principle for all actions and decisions. He expressed hope and confidence that the Government, ministries, sectors, and local administration, together with the entire Party, people, and armed forces, will remain united and determined to fulfill the goals set for 2025 and beyond.