The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) marks a critical inflection point in Vietnam’s development trajectory. Convened at a time of heightened geopolitical competition, rapid technological disruption, and mounting development constraints, the Congress seeks to consolidate Vietnam’s long-term national vision of becoming a high-income, developed country by mid-century. At its core lies the adoption of a new growth model anchored in science, innovation, and digital transformation, signalling a decisive shift from factor-driven and efficiency-driven growth towards a knowledge-based economy.
The documents of the 14th National Congress indicate a significant conceptual shift: foreign affairs and international integration are elevated to the same strategic level as national defence and security. This approach reflects the Party’s understanding that security and development are inseparable, and that Vietnam’s prosperity is increasingly intertwined with global development trends.
Under the leadership of general secretary Lam, Vietnam has upgraded relations with 17 partners, bringing the total number of countries enjoying comprehensive partnership status or higher to 42. The substance and effectiveness of high-level diplomacy have also improved markedly, as reflected in the signing of nearly 350 cooperation agreements -2.5 times more than in 2024. These developments underscore Vietnam’s growing diplomatic confidence and strategic autonomy.
Having completed one year as General Secretary, Lam has left an indelible mark on Vietnam’s policy orientation, articulating a clear and coherent framework across four key dimensions.
First, he has underscored the need to define national goals extending to 2045 and beyond, firmly anchoring the 14th Congress in a broader historical and civilizational aspiration.
Second, his consistent emphasis on science and technology, digital transformation, and high-quality human resources reflects a strategic pivot towards modernization, productivity-led growth, and international competitiveness.
Third, his focus on personnel selection, documentation quality, and information systems signals a drive for procedural discipline, internal cohesion, and credibility in governance. He has stressed the importance of “information discipline”- ensuring that information is accurate, timely, secure, and consistent – while maintaining a strong international communication posture.
Fourth, by explicitly linking Ho Chi Minh Thought with future development goals, Lam has reinforced ideological continuity while adapting it to contemporary national challenges.
A notable feature of preparation for the 14th Congress has been unprecedented public engagement. Lam has emphasized the integration of wide public participation and expert input, reflecting a push for more inclusive and evidence-based policy formulation. The draft Congress documents attracted nearly 14 million public comments, underscoring both societal engagement and the leadership’s effort to build broad national consensus around long-term goals.
This consultative process reflects a governance approach that seeks to mobilise the entire society behind national development objectives, thereby strengthening implementation capacity and public ownership of reform.
Vietnam’s adherence to a predictable and synchronized electoral cycle reinforces institutional continuity and political order – critical prerequisites for long-term development planning. The general elections and People’s Council elections scheduled for March 2026 are expected to enhance coherence between central and local authorities, improve policy coordination, and strengthen administrative effectiveness. In a period marked by global volatility, such institutional stability enhances regime legitimacy, governance effectiveness, and social consensus.
From a comparative international perspective, the growing role of Vietnam’s National Assembly and People’s Councils mirrors a broader trend observed in successful developmental states – where representative institutions strengthen governance without undermining political stability. Their expanding law-making role has improved legal quality, policy predictability, and alignment with international norms, supporting economic modernization and global integration.
Enhanced oversight has increased accountability and administrative discipline, while at the local level, People’s Councils have improved policy responsiveness and coordination, helping translate national objectives into practical outcomes. Collectively, these developments support Vietnam’s 2030 development targets and 2045 vision through rule-based governance and long-term policy continuity. Lam’s anti-corruption campaign has freed the nation from this evil.
As recommended by Lam, the Congress is expected to elevate science and technology to the status of primary productive forces. This conveys increased public investment in R&D, stronger linkages between universities, research institutions, and industry, and a focus on strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, and renewable energy. The objective is to reduce dependence on imported technology and escape the middle-income trap through productivity-driven growth.
The Congress also emphasises institutional and governance reforms to improve policy execution, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and strengthen rule-based governance. Digital transformation, green transition, and sustainable development are identified as central pillars of modernization.
Human capital development features prominently, with proposed reforms in education and digital skills training to support a knowledge-based economy amid demographic change. The private sector is expected to receive greater facilitation to foster innovation-driven enterprises, while ensuring fair competition alongside foreign direct investment.
Climate resilience and green growth are to be fully integrated into development planning, addressing Vietnam’s environmental vulnerabilities and long-term sustainability.
The 14th National Congress differs from earlier sessions in several important respects. It is framed as more dynamic and forward-looking, with greater emphasis on reform, modernization, and strategic execution. Foreign affairs and international integration are positioned as core, ongoing missions rather than supporting functions.
A major procedural innovation is the merger of the political, socio-economic, and party-building reports into a single unified Political Report, enabling a whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach. This integration is intended to streamline decision-making and accelerate implementation after the Congress. Equally significant is the articulation of an “era of national rise,” reflecting confidence rooted in past achievements and aspirations that go beyond incremental growth.
International responses to the 14th National Congress have been largely positive. Indian and Italian commentators describe it as a historic milestone and a framework for strategic and sustainable development in a complex global environment. Leaders from Germany’s DKP and other international partners have praised the CPV’s leadership role and its close ties with the people as central to Vietnam’s progress.
Taken together, the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam is poised to usher in a new phase of national development and global engagement, consolidating Vietnam’s rise as a confident, resilient, and forward-looking power in the decades ahead.
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
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