General Secretary To Lam emphasized the need to reform institutions to foster a mindset of equality between the central and local governments. Local authorities, he noted, have the right to demand mechanisms and solutions from the central government to overcome obstacles and drive local development.

Setting ambitious growth goals

Speaking at the closing session of the 13th Central Committee Conference on January 24, General Secretary To Lam announced the Central Committee’s approval of socio-economic development plans for 2025, with a target of achieving at least 8% growth. The goal for the 2026–2030 period is to sustain double-digit growth annually.

“These targets are vital for Vietnam to escape the middle-income trap and become a modern industrialized nation with upper-middle-income status by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045,” he stressed.

Strategic breakthroughs and reform priorities

The Central Committee has directed all levels of government, the Fatherland Front, political organizations, and party members to implement comprehensive measures to unlock resources, maximize opportunities, and leverage Vietnam’s potential for rapid and sustainable development.

Three strategic breakthroughs were highlighted, particularly institutional reforms, referred to as the “breakthrough of breakthroughs.”

Key immediate tasks for 2025 include revising laws related to land, public investment, and enterprise management to remove bottlenecks and barriers. A “results-based management” approach will replace traditional pre-approval methods, shifting from “pre-audit” to “post-audit,” accompanied by enhanced monitoring and control of power.

Addressing inefficiencies and leveraging resources

The Central Committee also called for policies to address resource inefficiencies, including idle land, stalled projects, and unresolved disputes. Efforts will focus on removing bottlenecks in the real estate and capital markets, particularly corporate bonds, to increase supply quickly.

Public investment will be optimized, private sector investment will be promoted, and selective foreign direct investment (FDI) will be encouraged.

Fiscal policy will remain flexible, with credit growth focused on production, job creation, and priority sectors. Measures to stimulate domestic consumption, tourism, and economic activity include tax policies to boost purchasing power and improve the standard of living, particularly for low-income groups.

Focus on infrastructure and emerging industries

The Central Committee prioritized completing strategic infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure. Projects such as offshore wind power and nuclear energy, along with the implementation of Vietnam’s Power Plan 8, will ensure adequate energy supply for double-digit growth.

Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation were emphasized, in alignment with the Politburo’s Resolution 57. This includes promoting emerging industries, space exploration, and low-Earth orbit telecommunications satellites. Advancing 5G commercialization, 6G research, and high-quality workforce development are also key priorities.

Efforts will focus on attracting overseas Vietnamese scientists and international experts to foster innovation and technological advancement in Vietnam.

Equality between central and local governments

The General Secretary called for institutional reforms to create a culture of equality between central and local governments. Local authorities should not only follow central directives but also have the right to propose mechanisms and solutions to support their development.

The central government, in turn, must address local proposals promptly, clearly, and responsibly, avoiding vague responses or passing the responsibility to others. The “safe” yet evasive approach of noting, “Implement in accordance with the law,” must be replaced with decisive action to ensure effective governance.

Accountability was stressed as a key principle, with leaders at all levels required to follow up, supervise, and take responsibility for assigned tasks. Performance outcomes will form the basis for evaluating individuals and units.

The General Secretary concluded by emphasizing that Vietnam’s political system must operate seamlessly from the central to grassroots levels, under the principle that “work comes first.”

Thu Hang