Attending and delivering directives at the First Congress of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Trade for the 2025 - 2030 term, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Party Committee of the Government, and Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son highly appreciated the significance and importance of the Congress.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son underscored that the 14th National Party Congress, scheduled for early 2026, is a particularly significant political event of our country, a historical milestone in our development journey that will open a new era for the nation.

The First Congress of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Trade for the 2025 - 2030 term takes place at a historic juncture, as the entire Party, people, and army are determined to successfully implement the 13th Party Congress Resolution and set achievements to welcome the 14th Party Congress. It also marks the implementation of an organizational reform revolution and the comprehensive, synchronous deployment of four major pillars: development of science, technology and innovation; development of the private economy; reform of lawmaking and enforcement; and proactive, deep international integration.

"All efforts aim to develop our country rapidly, sustainably, and prosperously, bringing more happiness and well-being to the people, and toward achieving the two centenary goals: 100 years of the founding of the Party and 100 years of the founding of the nation”, said Bui Thanh Son.

At the Congress, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son agreed with and appreciated the Ministry's Party Committee for successfully organizing congresses at 38 subordinate party organizations. He basically concurred with the political report and other documents, which were well-prepared and closely aligned with the Party's new-era requirements and tasks.

"The presentations were clear. The reports were lively and well-connected, setting out orientations for each specific unit within the Ministry and its Party Committee to fulfill the Ministry's duties and the two centenary goals. The preparation by comrades reflected innovation and strong action, demonstrating the great determination, high responsibility, and deep commitment of the entire cadre and Party membership of the Ministry”, said the Deputy Prime Minister.

He also acknowledged the serious reception of guidance from the Government Party Committee's Standing Board and noted that the documents reflected comprehensively and accurately the achievements of the industry while also identifying shortcomings and setting directions for the future.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade exerted "more than 100% effort"

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, over the past five years, the world and regional landscape has undergone profound changes. Despite difficulties, the Party, State, Government, and National Assembly decisively implemented synchronized policies and solutions aimed at achieving a growth target of 8% or more in 2025 and double-digit rates in following years. Socio - economic development continued positively, with 15 out of 15 targets met for 2024, GDP growth exceeding 7%, and reaching 7.52% in the first half of 2025 - the highest in the 2011 - 2025 period and the highest in nearly two decades.

Amidst these accomplishments, the industry and trade sector united in creativity and breakthrough initiatives that comprehensively contributed to socio-economic development. Six notable outcomes:

First, the Ministry made breakthroughs in policy advisory with numerous revised, supplemented, and newly issued laws, decrees, and circulars - especially in energy and industry. From 2021 to 2025, over 250 legal documents and more than 20 strategic plans were issued.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son commended the Ministry for submitting and passing the amended Chemicals Law and the Law on Efficient Energy Use in one National Assembly session, along with other strategically vital decrees. These have fostered institutional breakthroughs that facilitate business and open up new development space.

Second, the Ministry achieved exceptional progress in national electricity and energy planning. Notable is the completion of the 500 kV transmission line (circuit 3) with record-breaking achievements. Nuclear power development was restarted, including the Ninh Thuan project, and challenges in major renewable projects were addressed. The oil and gas industry surpassed 1 quadrillion VND in revenue (2024), developed offshore wind and petroleum chains, and completed critical energy projects.

The Ministry exerted "more than 100% effort" to help the Government pass the amended Electricity Law with a 91.65% approval rate. It also separated the National Load Dispatch Center from EVN, reforming the power market mechanism and ensuring reliable power supply for production and consumption.

Since this breakthrough, the electricity market and regulation have functioned smoothly, meeting demand and removing institutional bottlenecks that once hindered sectoral investment.

Third, under the Ministry’s leadership, import-export continued to play a central role in the economy. In 2024, total trade reached USD 786.29 billion - close to the historic USD 800 billion mark - with a trade surplus for the ninth consecutive year, nearing USD 25 billion.

Amid global volatility caused by tariffs and protectionism, the Ministry proactively opened new markets in the Middle East, Africa, Southern Europe, and Halal sectors. The successful signing of the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement brought the total number of FTAs to 17.

The Ministry accelerated digital, green, and sustainable trade promotion strategies; elevated the national brand value above USD 500 billion for the first time, ranking 32nd globally in 2024. Trade defense handled major cases, safeguarding Vietnamese goods in global markets.

It also actively fought against counterfeit goods, smuggling, and IPR violations to foster a healthy future economy.

Fourth, the domestic market maintained a stable 9% growth. E-commerce exceeded USD 25 billion in 2024, a 22% rise year-on-year, accounting for 9% of retail sales and two-thirds of Vietnam’s digital economy.

At the recent WEF Tianjin attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, partners ranked Vietnam among the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets (20 - 25% annually), helping it stay in the global top 10. Supply-demand balance has been maintained, bolstered by 15 years of the "Vietnamese People Prioritize Vietnamese Goods" campaign.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son noted from overseas visits with Minister Nguyen Hong Dien that overseas Vietnamese communities actively supported the campaign. They play an important role in bringing Vietnamese goods into foreign supermarkets and supply chains, thus enhancing global visibility.

Fifth, the industrial sector saw a robust recovery, with 8.4% growth. Manufacturing alone surged nearly 10% in 2024 (from under 1% in 2023), driving economic restructuring. Industry remained vital, contributing over 30% of GDP - of which manufacturing comprised 80% - reinforcing Vietnam’s regional production hub status.

Sixth, with the motto "steady and balanced" in both professional and Party work, the Ministry’s Party Committee made strides in reforming leadership methods.

It achieved significant results in political-ideological work, safeguarding the Party's ideological foundation, and countering hostile views. It also promoted learning and emulating Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, ethics, and style, and improved Party-building and the political system.

The leadership refined rules and regulations aligned with Party and State principles, strengthening institutional management, correcting prior deficiencies.

The Ministry streamlined its structure by nearly 18%, enhancing internal performance. It promptly consolidated Party organizations across all levels.

The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed: "The Ministry has excelled in organizational reform, delegation of authority, reducing administrative procedures, aiding enterprises, enhancing market oversight, and following strategic plans. On behalf of the Government Party Committee’s Standing Board, I warmly commend the Ministry Party Committee’s efforts and achievements in 2020–2025."

"Turning the tide" and creating breakthroughs

However, limitations remain. Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son pointed out institutional and management bottlenecks, delays in implementing higher directives, underdeveloped support industries, low localization rates, and high FDI dependency. Market management faces challenges amid smuggling and counterfeit goods.

He urged the Congress to analyze root causes and adopt solutions to build a stronger, more comprehensive industry and trade sector.

Reflecting on lessons from the past term, he highlighted:

First, maintaining internal unity and high consensus among Party members to serve the nation and the people wholeheartedly.

Second, adhering to Party and legal principles, staying grounded in practice, and acting in accordance with objective laws.

Third, nurturing competent, ethical cadres - especially leaders - as decisive success factors.

Fourth, exercising focused and flexible leadership, seizing opportunities, and achieving clear results without dispersion.

Fifth, tightening leadership and supervision to raise work quality and promptly address issues.

"We learned from constructing the 500kV line. When opportunities arise, act fast. Get things done decisively," he said.

"Flag bearer" on the economic front, a firm pillar for enterprises

The global outlook remains complex, with intertwined opportunities and challenges. Vietnam is entering a critical phase to realize the 13th Party Congress goals and pave the way for the 14th.

With a proud 74-year history, the Ministry must uphold its role as the key industrial-commercial authority, the "flag bearer" on the economic front, a reliable companion to businesses and entrepreneurs - both private and state-owned.

Agreeing with the report's proposed direction and six breakthroughs for the next term, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son outlined key focus areas:

First, strengthen comprehensive leadership in state management, successfully implement the 14th Congress Resolution, fulfill National Assembly and Government targets, and help Vietnam become a modern industrialized upper-middle-income country by 2030, among ASEAN’s most competitive nations, in the global top 20 exporters and top 30 retailers, ensuring supply-demand and developing modern infrastructure.

Focus on four national plans: energy, electricity, national petroleum and gas reserves, and mining - with 50,000 projects worth trillions of VND.

Second, forge a new vision for a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy. Lead in exploring new growth engines and promoting green, digital, and innovative industrialization. Restructure industry toward high-tech, environmentally friendly sectors (e.g., new materials, precision engineering, basic chemicals). Drive digital transformation, support SMEs, and develop strategic export industries (e.g., EVs, semiconductors, renewables, sustainable textiles).

Third, ensure energy security and sustainable energy markets. Implement Power Plan VIII, develop renewables (wind, solar, green hydrogen), and balance security with emissions reduction. Restructure the electricity market for transparency and efficient use.

Fourth, develop modern, sustainable commerce with high-value exports. Adapt to major economies’ tariff shifts. Promote processed, value-added exports, reduce raw material dependence, and diversify markets via FTAs (GCC, Mercosur, etc.). Expand digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, logistics, and digital commerce ecosystems.

Fifth, protect the domestic market and enhance enterprise competitiveness. Boost domestic consumption and the "Vietnamese Goods" campaign. Improve trade defense to shield against unfair foreign competition. Strengthen market regulation, anti-smuggling, and product quality enforcement.

Sixth, deepen international integration and fulfill trade commitments per the Politburo’s Resolution 59. Shape new trade rules, defend national interests in negotiations, and help firms navigate FTAs and non-tariff barriers.

Seventh, develop high-quality human resources and reform industry institutions. Revise legal frameworks for green, circular, and digital economies. Enhance governance, simplify procedures, and apply technology. Collaborate with universities and firms to train skilled workers for Industry 4.0 and smart logistics.

Eighth, improve Party-building, prioritizing political, ideological, ethical, organizational, and personnel integrity. Reform methods, raise Party performance, educate and protect cadres from ideological decline, and safeguard Party and State secrets amid deep global integration.

Strengthen discipline and supervision to execute Party policies effectively, combat corruption, and foster public service ethics.

Modernize leadership styles per Party principles and emphasize exemplary behavior - especially from leaders.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son expressed belief and hope that under the Party's glorious banner, the Ministry’s Party Committee for 2025 - 2030 will unite and strive to build a strong, comprehensive industry and trade sector - contributing to national development goals by 2030 and entering a new era of prosperity, peace, and happiness, advancing socialism in Vietnam.