Laying the groundwork for a breakthrough

The 2021 - 2025 period forged resilience and a new governance mindset for the industry and trade sector: proactive in the face of volatility, flexible in policymaking and steadfast in pursuing long-term goals.

During this time, the processing and manufacturing industry gradually regained its role as a key growth driver; trade and exports continued to serve as the spearhead of economic expansion; and the domestic market was increasingly recognised as a strategic pillar of the economy.

Digital transformation and green transition have moved beyond slogans, becoming embedded in management thinking as well as production and business activities. Institutions have been progressively improved, the investment and business environment has become more transparent, and the confidence of enterprises and society has been strengthened.

For the entire sector, the 2021 - 2025 term was truly marked by deeper industrial growth, expanded and upgraded trade, diversified and sustainable markets, strong internal unity, and a lean, efficient and capable organisational apparatus.

The term concluded with concrete growth figures and clear signs of recovery, while a solid development foundation took shape. Amid unprecedented global economic turbulence, the industry and trade sector firmly upheld its pillar role, maintaining production and circulation flows, safeguarding major economic balances and laying the groundwork for a new growth cycle.

It is precisely from this foundation that the sector enters a new term, fully prepared to shift from “building momentum” to “accelerating.”

Entering the 2026 - 2030 term, the objective no longer centres on “stability” or “recovery,” but on strong breakthroughs, high-quality growth, greater self-reliance and sustainability, an imperative arising from reality itself.

The new term places higher demands on the sector growth must be not only fast in scale, but sustainable in quality; not reliant solely on expansion, but driven by productivity, innovation and value addition.

These requirements were clearly articulated by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the conference reviewing the sector’s performance in 2025 and outlining tasks for 2026, where he called on the industry and trade sector to carry out “six pioneering roles.”

These include pioneering national industrialisation and modernisation; pioneering fast and sustainable development and green growth in the digital era; pioneering market, product and supply chain diversification; pioneering the fight against wastefulness, corruption and misconduct, while resolutely combating counterfeit goods, trade fraud and origin fraud; pioneering the building of a clean, strong workforce that is both politically steadfast and professionally competent; and pioneering decentralisation, administrative reform, sectoral database development and data connectivity to serve leadership, management and implementation.

Assessing the mission and responsibilities entrusted by the Party, the State, and the people as both heavy and honourable, the Prime Minister stressed that more than ever, the sector’s leadership, officials and employees must strengthen unity, determination and the spirit of daring to think, daring to act and daring to take responsibility for the common good, in order to lead and drive the sector forward.

Rallying a new spirit of action

The year 2026 has been identified as a year of “breakthrough action,” with science, technology and digital transformation serving as key drivers for achieving double-digit growth. This requires industry to truly become a modern pillar of the economy, closely linked with science and technology, green industry, supporting industries and strong domestic supply chains.

Trade is expected to further expand development space, effectively leverage new-generation free trade agreements, and build a civilised, modern domestic market that is capable of serving as a genuine economic pillar during difficult times.

Digital transformation is being elevated to a cross-cutting strategic level, spanning state management and enterprises, production and circulation, traditional markets and e-commerce, as well as the digital economy. Green transition is no longer an option, but a development standard.

As the 2026 - 2030 term begins, the most important factor is the spirit of action. The industry and trade sector has identified a new mindset more resolute in reform, stronger in innovation, more disciplined in implementation, and closer to enterprises and the people in every policy.

Addressing the conference announcing the Prime Minister’s decisions on personnel work, Acting Minister Le Manh Hung said that first, he would work closely with the ministry’s collective leadership to seriously implement the guidelines of the Party and the State, particularly key strategic resolutions, with the aim of building a strong industry and trade sector and contributing to the achievement of national growth targets. 

Second, the need to continue reforming and improving institutions, strategies, planning frameworks and policy mechanisms, while accelerating administrative reform and digital transformation to create a favourable, transparent and highly predictable environment for businesses and investors.

Third, the priority of ensuring national energy security in tandem with energy transition, gradually shaping a modern, safe and sustainable energy ecosystem capable of meeting the country’s long-term development needs.

Fourth, the development of industry and domestic trade in a modern and integrated direction, with enterprises placed at the centre and markets serving as the driving force, while safeguarding consumers’ rights.

Fifth, the importance of proactively promoting international economic integration in an active, substantive and effective manner, alongside stronger application of science and technology and innovation to generate new momentum for the development of the industry and trade sector.

To fulfil the tasks ahead, the acting minister expressed his hope for continued guidance from Party and State leaders, the Government and the Prime Minister, oversight by the National Assembly, close coordination among ministries, sectors and localities, and the companionship of the business community and the public, especially the unity and collective effort of all officials and employees across the sector.

With the spirit of “unity - discipline - development,” the industry and trade sector has realised the objectives of the 2021-2025 term with notable breakthroughs in institutions and integration, setting new records in industrial growth, import-export turnover, energy infrastructure and e-commerce. These achievements provide a solid foundation for the sector as it embarks on a new journey.