Held from January 19 to 23, in Hanoi, the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam concluded with great success, leaving a profound imprint as a Congress of “Unity - Democracy - Discipline - Breakthrough - Development.”

The Congress embodied the spirit of strategic autonomy, self-reliance and confidence, reaffirming Vietnam’s determination to stride forward into a new era for a peaceful, independent, democratic, prosperous, civilized and happy socialist nation.

Five days of work, a historic milestone

The Congress was convened at a moment of historic significance. After 40 years of renewal, the Party, the people and the armed forces have achieved comprehensive and far-reaching accomplishments, steadily improving living standards, enhancing people’s happiness, and elevating Vietnam’s stature and prestige on the international stage.

Beyond setting goals and orientations for the 2026-2030 term, the Congress made strategic decisions with long-term implications for the nation’s future, aiming to further ignite development aspirations, national pride and self-reliance, unlock all resources and drivers for growth, and harness the strength of the people and great national unity in combination with the power of the times.

These efforts seek to advance renewal comprehensively and in sync, build and safeguard the Homeland, and realize the aspiration of making Vietnam a strong nation standing shoulder to shoulder with global powers, as envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh.

The Congress adopted with high consensus key documents, including:

- The Political Report of the 13th Central Committee

- The report reviewing 40 years of renewal in theory and practice under socialist orientation

- The report reviewing 15 years of implementation of the Party Statute (2011-2025) and orientations for its amendment

- The review report on the leadership and direction of the 13th Central Committee

A notable innovation was the integration of the Political Report, the socio-economic report and the Party-building report into a unified, comprehensive document with clear focus, conciseness and high applicability.

These documents represent the crystallization of intellect, resolve, renewed thinking and strong determination of the entire Party, people and armed forces in building, developing and defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Confidently advancing into a new era

The Political Report affirmed that the comprehensive achievements of the 13th Congress term continue to underscore the Party’s leadership role and prestige. Public trust in the Party, the State and the socialist regime has been further strengthened, laying a solid foundation for Vietnam to enter a new development stage with renewed momentum and aspirations.

The report set out the overarching goal of maintaining peace and stability; achieving rapid and sustainable development; improving people’s living standards; enhancing strategic autonomy and self-reliance; and advancing confidently into a new era. Vietnam aims to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income socialist nation by 2045. GDP growth for 2026-2030 is targeted at over 10% annually, with per capita GDP reaching around USD 8,500 by 2030.

To realize these goals, the Congress identified 12 major orientations, six key tasks and three strategic breakthroughs, emphasizing the principle: “Right choices - swift implementation - thorough execution - results-based evaluation.”

The Political Report reaffirmed the enduring principle that “the people are the foundation.” The people are the center, the subject, the objective, the driving force and the resources of development. All policies must aim to improve material and spiritual well-being, uphold people’s mastery, and rely on the people in Party building.

Discipline in organization, consensus in decision-making

During discussions on January 20-21, delegates delivered 815 interventions in a democratic, candid and responsible atmosphere, expressing high consensus on the quality and innovation of the documents.

The Congress determined that socio-economic development and environmental protection are central; Party building is key; cultural and human development forms the foundation; and national defense, security and external relations are essential and ongoing. Science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation were identified as core development drivers.

Personnel work and strategic vision

The Congress elected the 14th Central Committee with 200 members, including 180 full members and 20 alternate members. At its first meeting, the Central Committee elected a 19-member Politburo and unanimously re-elected To Lam as General Secretary for the 14th term.

Delegates affirmed that the personnel preparation process was conducted in a methodical, democratic, transparent and lawful manner, ensuring continuity, stability and innovation, with quality and effectiveness as the foremost criteria.

In his closing remarks, General Secretary To Lam stressed that the success of the 14th Congress reflects the nation’s renewed confidence, determination and long-term vision. He called on the entire Party, people, armed forces and overseas Vietnamese to translate the Congress’s resolutions into concrete actions, contributing to a stronger, more prosperous Vietnam.