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| Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the national conference in Hanoi May 18 on the dissemination and implementation of Resolutions 66 and 68.__Photo: VNA |
Party General Secretary To Lam has described Resolution 57 on science, technology, and innovation; Resolution 59 on international integration; Resolution 68 on private sector development; and Resolution 66 on law-making and enforcement overhaul as the “four pillars” to help the country take off.
Addressing a national conference in Hanoi on May 18 on the dissemination and implementation of Resolutions 66 and 68, the leader called for joint efforts to drive Vietnam into a new era — one of development, prosperity, and strength.
The following is a full translation of his speech.
Leaders and former leaders of the Party, State, National Assembly, Government, and Vietnam Fatherland Front,
Comrades attending the conference from various locations,
Party members, veteran cadres, and fellow citizens across the country.
We are witnessing unprecedented, profound global changes in geopolitics, geo-economics, strategic competition, and the significant shift of economic centers, alongside a boom in science and technology, as well as challenges such as climate change, energy security, and both traditional and non-traditional security. These shifts present both challenges and opportunities for all nations. Those who seize the opportunities and overcome the challenges will succeed; otherwise, the outcome will be the opposite — like “a slow buffalo drinking muddy water.”
After nearly 40 years of steadfastly pursuing the Doi moi (Renewal) process, our country has achieved remarkable, even great, successes: sustained economic growth, improved living standards for the people, and a steadily strengthened international standing. We have every reason to be proud, but we must also frankly acknowledge that serious challenges lie ahead. We cannot afford complacency, rest on our laurels, or fall behind. Instead, we must continuously innovate and reform, maximize all social resources and driving forces within society and the population, and pursue the major goals set deeply, comprehensively, and drastically, and with determination. The reforms we are undertaking are not only an objective necessity for development but also a mandate from the nation’s future.
The innovations and reforms focus on four breakthroughs: the Politburo’s Resolution 57 on promoting science, technology, and innovation; Resolution 59 on proactive and extensive international integration; Resolution 68, which the Prime Minister thoroughly elaborated today, aiming to vigorously develop the private sector; and Resolution 66, which the National Assembly Chairman has just underscored, calling for a comprehensive revamp of lawmaking and enforcement.
At this point, these resolutions can be called the “four pillars” to help us take off. Therefore, I call on the entire political system, Party, people, and armed forces to unite, overcome all difficulties, turn aspirations into action, and transform potential into real strength — so that together we can lead our country into a new era: one of development, prosperity, and the strength of the Vietnamese nation.
Comrades,
In recent years, under the wise and sound leadership of the Party, the unity of the entire nation, and the persistent efforts of the entire political system, our country has gained comprehensive achievements across almost all fields. The macroeconomy has remained stable, inflation has been controlled, and major balances have been ensured. We have overcome global shocks, successfully controlled the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly recovered the economy, and maintained social stability amid a turbulent world. Our sovereignty and territorial integrity have been safeguarded, peace has been maintained, and Vietnam’s international reputation and standing have steadily risen. The country has engaged deeply in regional and global cooperation processes, people’s living standards have continued to improve, and the social welfare system has been increasingly perfected.
However, we must also frankly acknowledge that our country is facing major challenges. Economic growth is showing signs of slowing; labour productivity and innovation capacity remain limited; the quality of growth is not yet truly sustainable; and the risk of falling into the upper-middle-income trap still looms. While the business environment has improved, many obstacles persist; infrastructure remains fragmented; and the institutional framework for a socialist-oriented market economy is still incomplete.
The international landscape is also becoming increasingly complex, with intensifying strategic competition among major powers, rising protectionism, geopolitical shocks, climate change, and emerging diseases posing numerous risks. Internal and external challenges are intertwining, exerting significant pressure and forcing us to boldly change our mindset, approaches, and development model. What we need is a comprehensive, profound, and concerted reform, marked by breakthroughs in institutions, economic structure, growth model, and organizational apparatus.
Only drastic, persistent, and effective reforms can enable our country to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and realize the aspiration for rapid and sustainable development in this new era.
Comrades,
Looking to the future, we clearly identify that if we want to develop quickly and sustainably, Vietnam cannot follow the old path. We must dare to think big, act bold, and carry out major reforms with the highest political determination and the most persistent efforts.
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| Chairman of Geleximco Group Vu Van Tien speaks at the national conference.__Photo: VNA |
The four important Resolutions recently issued by the Politburo will be the fundamental institutional pillars, creating strong momentum to move our country forward in the new era, realizing the vision of a developed, high-income Vietnam by 2045. You have heard the detailed contents, I would like to review the core spirits of the resolutions and their mutual impact. If we want to achieve the highest efficiency, we must implement these resolutions well simultaneously.
First: Developing the private economy into “the most important driving force” of the national economy (in the spirit of Resolution 68)
In the process of building a socialist-oriented market economy, arousing and promoting all resources in society has become an urgent requirement for rapid development. Resolution 68 of the Politburo was born, demonstrating a significant step forward in the theoretical thinking and practical guidance of our Party: “In a socialist-oriented market economy, the private economy is the most important driving force of the national economy”. However, we must affirm the leading role of state-owned enterprises in the market economy. A distinctive feature of Vietnam is “a socialist-oriented market economy, managed by the State, under the leadership of the Party”.
These perspectives mark a profound shift in strategic understanding of the role of the private sector: from a secondary position to a pillar of development, which, together with the state economy and the collective economy, forms a solid "three-legged foundation" for an independent, autonomous and successfully integrated economy. Developing the private economy is not only an economic requirement but also a political order, aiming to consolidate the foundation of national economic autonomy, and enhance competitiveness and adaptability in a volatile world.
In that spirit, the Resolution sets out strong reform requirements, including: Perfecting institutions: Protecting property rights, freedom of business, creating a fair, transparent and stable investment and business environment. Unleashing resources: Expanding access to land, credit, markets, and technology for the private sector; thoroughly removing institutional and policy bottlenecks. Promoting innovation: Strongly developing the innovative startup ecosystem; supporting private enterprises to invest in research and development, and deeply participate in the innovation network and global value chain. Building a team of modern entrepreneurs: Not only being good at business but also having political mettle, intelligence, professional ethics, national spirit and aspiration to contribute to the country and reach out to the world. In the economic front, everyone must work to create material wealth for society; everyone has the right to pursue a developed and happy life and contribute to the development of society; everyone has the right and conditions to express their aspiration to contribute and innovate. The Party and the State are responsible for ensuring that all people can exercise their basic human and social rights.
The Resolution affirms that Vietnamese entrepreneurs are "soldiers on the economic front" in the new era. They not only contribute to enriching themselves but also carry out the noble mission of building a strong and prosperous country.
It can be said that Resolution 68 lays a foundation for a comprehensive transformation in the private economic development policy: from “recognition” to “protection, encouragement, promotion”, from “supplementation” to “leading development”.
This is a right, urgent, long-term strategic choice, aiming to realize the aspiration of developing a powerful country in the middle of the 21st century.
Second: Creating real breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation (according to Resolution 57)
Today, May 18, is Vietnam’s Science and Technology Day. I would like to extend my congratulations to the entire science and technology sector, to all scientists, intellectuals, technology experts, and businesses on this important occasion, and wish Vietnam’s science and technology continued growth and success.
Amid the boom of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the widespread digital transformation, and the global shift in development models, the Politburo issued Resolution 57 in response to these pressing challenges. The resolution clearly states that the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation is a strategic breakthrough and a key driving force for accelerating national modernization, reforming governance methods, and promoting rapid and sustainable socio-economic development.
Thoroughly grasping the spirit of the Resolution, we must deeply understand that science, technology and innovation are not only supporting means, but must be identified as the foundation for development and the main driving force for the country’s industrialization and modernization in the new era.
The Resolution calls for strengthening the Party's comprehensive leadership in the development of science, technology, and innovation, while also emphasizing the critical role of businesses, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, and the entire people in driving this effort. This is a deep and all-encompassing revolution in all aspects of society, requiring us to adopt a mindset of bold, decisive, and coordinated innovation, leaving behind outdated thinking and passive approaches that could hinder progress.
To meet this challenge, the entire Party, people, and military must focus on implementing the following key tasks: (1) Raising awareness of entire society, especially the business community and policy-making and enforcement agencies, about the crucial role of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in national development; (2) Making a breakthrough in development thinking, eliminating outdated mindsets and arousing the spirit of arousing the spirit of daring to think, daring to do, daring to innovate, and daring to take responsibility; (3) Strengthening political determination, creating unity in the system on the policy of taking science, technology and innovation as the main driving force for development; (4) Improving institutions, proactively eliminating legal and administrative barriers, creating a favorable environment for innovation, research, and the application of science and technology, and turning institutions into national competitive advantages.
Party committees, party organizations and authorities at all levels must resolutely direct and concretize the Resolution’s contents into practical action programs and plans; at the same time, clearly define responsibilities, closely inspect and supervise the implementation, and ensure substantive changes in the system.
If we want to move forward quickly and steadily in this new era, the only path is through science, technology, and innovation. We must be more determined, take stronger actions, and embrace greater creativity, making science, technology, and innovation the foundation and driving force that propels our country to a new height.
Third: Reforming law making and enforcement to meet national development requirements in the new era
In the context of the country’s entering a new phase of development, characterized by high demands for modernization and deep international integration, the formulation and perfection of the legal system has become a vital factor, decisive to the success of the nation's process of rising. It is in this context that Resolution 66 was issued, clearly identifying that fundamental reform of the work of law-making and enforcement is a core and foundational content for the process of building a socialist rule-of-law state in Vietnam in the new era.
The resolution affirms that the law is not merely an instrument for regulating social behavior, but must also be regarded as the foundation for the organization and operation of state power; a solid basis for the protection of human rights and citizens’ rights; and a lever to promote socio-economic development.
With regard to guiding principles, the resolution underscores that the work of law-making and enforcement must become a central, regular task of the entire Party and the entire political system, closely associated with the requirement for rapid and sustainable national development. At the same time, the law must be consistent, feasible, transparent and stable, and grounded in the realities of development as its measure, while also possessing high predictability, proactively guiding development rather than merely reacting to it.
From this standpoint, three focal tasks are set out: (1) To complete the institutional framework in key areas such as streamlining the state apparatus toward effectiveness; developing a socialist-oriented market economy; protecting human rights; and building a healthy, competitive investment and business environment; (2) To reform the legislative process in a proactive and facilitative direction, ensuring that the law is unified, coherent, specific, comprehensible and easy to implement; (3) To improve the effectiveness of law enforcement, strengthen discipline and order in execution, and tightly bind power with accountability.
The legal framework serves as both the driving force and the foundation for national development. A concerted, feasible and transparent legal system will create a stable environment for production and business, stimulate innovation, enhance international integration capacity, and thoroughly eliminate barriers of legal overlaps and contradictions. To that end, the spirit of reform is formed, as follows: fundamentally renewing the mindset in law-making – shifting from a mindset of "management" to one of "service", from passive to proactive, constructing development; ensuring that legislation leads by one step, with high predictability, aligned with reality and the requirements of rapid development; law enforcement being strict, fair, substantive, and digital transformation going hand-in-hand with openness, transparency, and maximum convenience for citizens and enterprises; clearly delineating powers and responsibilities, linked with accountability, abolishing "ask–give" mechanisms, and eradicating parochial interests and group privileges.
Resolution 66 is a call to action for a profound institutional reform, aimed at building a modern and substantive legal system that truly serves the people, while creating a sustainable impetus for the cause of building a prosperous, democratic, just, and civilized Vietnam in the 21st century.
Fourth: International integration in new context
Resolution 59 of the Politburo was issued amid a rapidly changing and complex international landscape, rising strategic competition among major powers, a clear trend toward multipolarity and multicenter development, and global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and non-traditional security threats. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation, and the green economy are also profoundly reshaping global development models.
The issuance of Resolution 59 is a breakthrough decision, marking a historic turning point in the country’s international integration, identifying integration as a strategic driver for Vietnam to confidently enter a new era. The resolution reflects a profound vision that international integration is not merely about openness and exchange, but a comprehensive endeavor requiring proactiveness, determination, great courage, and strong leadership.
The Resolution’s consistent viewpoint is that international integration is a cause of the entire nation, carried out under the absolute, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Party, with unified management by the State, and with the people and businesses placed at the center as the main agents of creativity and innovation.
We must deeply understand that integration is not solely the task of foreign affairs agencies or a matter of state diplomacy. It is a comprehensive process that requires the proactive, active, and creative participation of the entire political system, and every citizen, business, and sector.
Internal strength, including the economy, culture, institutions, and human resources, must be regarded as the decisive foundation. Meanwhile, external resources serve only as complementary support for development to ensure that integration remains comprehensive and extensive while maintaining national independence, and enhancing self-reliance and adaptability to all global fluctuations.
The Resolution outlines comprehensive and strategic directions across key areas: For economy: Promoting integration in tandem with building an independent, self-reliant, and modern economy; developing the digital, green, and circular economy; and enhancing competitiveness on the basis of science, technology, and innovation. For politics, defense, and security: Advancing integration while strengthening strategic and comprehensive partnerships, building political trust, and safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, and a peaceful, stable environment. For science, technology, education, health, and environment: Leveraging integration to raise national capacity, developing high-quality human resources, and deeply engaging in global value chains.
A particularly important and foundational aspect of the Resolution is building a strong team of international integration professionals. This requires focused training and development of personnel with firm political will, deep expertise, flexible adaptability to global environments, and strong inter-sectoral coordination skills to meet the requirements of increasingly deep and complex integration.
International integration in the new context requires us to be more proactive, determined, and innovative, grounded in the steadfast principles of independence and self-reliance, while remaining flexible and astute in diplomatic strategy and tactics, and fully tapping opportunities and overcoming challenges to drive fast and sustainable national development.
Resolution 59 can be seen as a guiding compass for the entire Party, army, and people in advancing international integration in the new era.
Every Party committee, Party organization, and Party member must thoroughly internalize its spirit, translate it into concrete programs and proactive action plans, and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, innovative thinking, and breakthrough actions - determined to turn international integration into a powerful driver for Vietnam to rise higher and reach further on the global arena.
Comrades,
The Politburo’s four major resolutions collectively form a unified framework of strategic thinking and actions for our nation's development in the new era. While each resolution focuses on a critical sector, they are tightly interconnected, complementing and reinforcing one another throughout the dissemination and execution process.
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| Delegates attend the national conference in Hanoi.__Photo: VNA |
All four resolutions share a common objective: building a solid foundation for Vietnam’s rapid and sustainable development and transformation into a high-income, developed nation by 2045. Resolution 66 demands the completion of a transparent, modern legal framework that guarantees human rights and citizens’ rights. Resolution 57 identifies science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the new pillars of growth. Resolution 59 expands development space through proactive and positive international integration. Resolution 68 positions the private economic sector as the central driving force of the economy.
The interconnection extends beyond general orientations to practical interdependence. If institutional structures lack transparency (Resolution 66), the private sector struggles to develop (Resolution 68), the scientific – technological environment lacks creative potential (Resolution 57), and international integration lacks efficacy. How can private firms evaluate and engage in FTAs and investment protection agreements? (Resolution 59). Conversely, without breakthrough innovation, the private sector will be weak and international integration will become limited. Without proactive integration, domestic institutions and economic drivers could not reform comprehensively.
The common breakthrough across the four resolutions is a new development mindset: shifting from “management” to “service”, from “protection” to “creative competition”, from “passive integration” to “proactive integration”, from “fragmented reforms” to “comprehensive, harmonious, and profound reforms.” This presents a fundamental shift in mindset, building upon the achievements from 40 years of renewal while aligning with global trends in the digital age.
Regarding implementation, all resolutions emphasize the unified leadership of the Party, the harmonious and creative involvement of the entire political system, and the substantive participation of businesses, citizens, and intellectuals. The implementation axes such as law enforcement, digital transformation, innovation, private economic sector development, and international integration require close coordination, regular monitoring, supervision, and evaluation of effectiveness.
Four key priorities for the next five years (2025–2030)
1) Completing a modern, coherent legal system to drive development: Over the next five years, Vietnam will comprehensively implement Resolution 66 and undertake strong reforms in law making, enforcement, and evaluation. The objective is to build a unified, transparent, stable, and accessible legal system that meets the demands of a modern market economy and deep international integration. Efforts will focus on resolving overlapping regulations and strengthening legal institutions to protect property rights, the freedom of business, and the right to innovate, laying a favorable legal foundation for investment and development.
2) Breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation: From 2025 to 2030, Vietnam aims to achieve major breakthroughs through the drastic implementation of national programs on innovation and digital transformation, ensuring wide-reaching impact on businesses and localities. A national innovation ecosystem will be established, encouraging enterprises to invest in R&D and commercialize technologies. Investment will be made in data infrastructure and digital platforms for digital government, digital economy, and digital society, forming the technical backbone for boosting labor productivity and national competitiveness.
3) Accelerating proactive, comprehensive, and effective global integration: Vietnam will proactively negotiate and effectively implement new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs), capitalizing on opportunities from global supply chains and international capital flows. The goal is to translate integration commitments into tangible growth, market expansion, and attraction of high-quality investments. At the same time, Vietnam will join the building of international rules in areas such as economy, technology, environment, and cybersecurity, affirming its global standing and safeguarding national interests.
4) Promoting substantive development of the private sector as "the most important driver” of the national economy: Efforts will focus on removing bottlenecks in land, credit, technology, and market; supporting small and medium enterprises and innovative startups; and building a dynamic, flexible business ecosystem. A strategic roadmap will be established to develop large private conglomerates with regional and global competitiveness, leading global value chains. The priority is to protect property rights and business freedom, improve a transparent and open business environment, and create momentum for rapid and sustainable growth of the private sector.
Urgent tasks for 2025
Comrades,
The year 2025 marks a pivotal turning point ushering in a new era, while the goal of becoming a developed nation is just two decades ahead. Without urgent reforms and breakthroughs from this point forward, we risk missing the golden opportunity and falling behind in the global race. Therefore, actions must be prompt, methodical, and results-driven, with effectiveness as the key benchmark. With that in mind, I call upon the entire political system to swiftly implement the following eight key tasks:
First, promptly finalize and issue national action programs and plans to implement the four resolutions, ensuring strong coherence, with clearly defined goals, tasks, timelines, and responsibilities. Simultaneously, develop a set of periodic monitoring and evaluation indicators.
Second, urgently conduct a comprehensive review of the legal system and proceed with amending, supplementing, replacing, or abolishing outdated regulations in line with Resolution 66. Priority will be given to reforms related to property rights, business freedom, innovation, and international integration; consideration will be given to enacting a Law on Private Economic Development.
Third, immediately launch key programs on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation; approve and implement national programs; establish new innovation centers; and develop a legal framework for the sandbox model.
Fourth, focus on negotiating and effectively implementing new-generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): particularly the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the European Union–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), and especially accelerating negotiations for an FTA with the US. Actively prepare for participation in emerging agreements such as the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF); leverage integration commitments to convert them into real growth.
Fifth, deliver breakthroughs in improving the investment and business environment: reduce administrative procedures by at least 30 percent, digitize public services, and provide capital, technology, and digital transformation support for small and medium sized enterprises. Develop a proposal for growing large private conglomerates.
Sixth, consolidate leadership and coordinate in implementing the resolutions; establish specialized steering committees at both central and provincial levels; and ensure a unified steering mechanism, with regular monitoring and supervision.
Seventh, prioritizing the training and development of human resources for the implementation of the resolutions, particularly the provision of intensive training on modern law, science and technology, international integration, and corporate governance, and the development of a younger generation of officials with innovative thinking, digital competencies and a capacity for global adaptability.
Eighth, strengthening communications to build social consensus, including the development of national communication programs on each resolution; and the strengthening of policy dialogue among the Government, enterprises, citizens, and intellectuals, harnessing collective wisdom during implementation.
Comrades,
More than ever, the Party Central Committee now stands as a united, solid, determined, and resolute force for leading the entire Party, people, and military to meet and exceed the targets set by the 13th National Party Congress, preparing thoroughly to usher the country into a new era of development, prosperity and happiness. Since the 10th plenum of the 13th Central Committee (September 2024), the Politburo and the Secretariat have worked day and night to address critical issues, remove “bottlenecks”, and open up new development space for the nation. They have vigorously implemented Resolution 18 of the Party Central Committee on “certain issues concerning continued reform and restructuring of the political system for greater streamlining, efficiency, and effectiveness”; developed a two-level local administration model; and reorganized administrative units to enable “take-off”. These efforts have not only been earnestly carried out by Party members and officials, but more importantly, have received close public attention, widespread approval, and support, considering it as a genuine revolution for the country in the new era.
To realize the aspiration of building a prosperous and powerful Vietnam, the entire Party, people and military must continue to unite, pool their efforts, and highly promote the spirit of patriotism, self-reliance and resilience, along with a strong national will to rise in the new era. For “when we know how to unite and stand together/ no task is too difficult to overcome”.
The entire Party, people, and military must clearly define their roles and responsibilities; act proactively, creatively and in solidarity and patriotic emulation; and remain steadfast in fulfilling the tasks of socio-economic development, national defense, security, and the improvement of people’s lives, ensuring that people truly enjoy an ever-improving quality of life. Every officials, Party member, every Vietnamese citizen must become a pioneering soldier on the frontline of national development.
Leaders at all levels, from central to local ones, must set an example and take the lead in innovating thinking and action; dare to think, dare to act, dare to make breakthroughs, and dare to take responsibility for the national interest, even at the cost of personal interests. Action programs must be implemented drastically and systematically, with tangible results as the measure of capacity and effectiveness. New resolutions must continue to be proposed and crafted in line with Uncle Ho’s teachings: “All interests are for the people. All powers are of the people.”
The people and enterprises must be defined as the center and the creative agents of development. It is necessary to vigorously foster a national start up spirit, unlock the innovation resources across society, fuel the growth of the digital economy, knowledge economy, green economy, and circular economy, accelerating Vietnam’s progress towards modernization and integration.
Comrades,
We have every reason to firmly believe in a bright future for our country. With the heroic tradition, intellect, mettle, and an enduring aspiration to rise, Vietnam will continue advancing firmly on the path of rapid and sustainable development.
Before the entire people, we pledge to strongly pursue the goals we have set, with innovative thinking and bold, persistent, and creative actions. Each Party committee, authority, organization, and individual must clearly identify their responsibilities and translate political commitments into concrete and meaningful results.
Let us together ignite the flame of Renewal – Aspiration – Action, for a prosperous, strong and flourishing Vietnam, standing shoulder to shoulder with the powers of the five continents by 2045.
Thank you, comrades.- (VNA/VLLF)
