The 13th National Congress of the Party: Opening a new era of prosperity for the country.

Since its founding, the Communist Party of Vietnam has held 13 congresses. Each Party congress is an important historical milestone, recording and marking the victories, achievements, and lessons learned of the Vietnamese revolution under the leadership of the Party.

The 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam officially opened on the morning of January 26, 2021, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi .

The Congress was attended by 1,587 delegates representing over 5 million Party members nationwide. Of these, 191 delegates were members of the 12th Central Committee, 1,381 delegates were elected from provincial and city Party congresses and Party committees directly under the Central Committee, and 15 delegates from overseas Party committees were appointed by the Politburo .

There were 1,365 male delegates, accounting for 86.01%, and 222 female delegates, accounting for 13.99%. There were 175 delegates from ethnic minorities, accounting for 11.03%.

There are 3 delegates who are Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, accounting for 0.19%; 13 delegates who are Outstanding Teachers, accounting for 0.82%; and 15 delegates who are People's Doctors or Outstanding Doctors, accounting for 0.95%.

The Congress was attended by distinguished guests: Comrade Nong Duc Manh, former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam; former members of the Politburo and former Presidents of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Comrade Tran Duc Luong, Comrade Nguyen Minh Triet, Comrade Truong Tan Sang; former member of the Politburo and former Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Tan Dung; former members of the Politburo and former Chairmen of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Comrade Nguyen Van An, Comrade Nguyen Sinh Hung.

Former members of the Politburo, former Secretaries of the Central Committee of the Party; former Chairmen of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front; former Vice Presidents, former Vice Chairmen of the National Assembly, former Deputy Prime Ministers; former members of the Central Committee of the Party from the 3rd to 7th terms; and members of the Central Inspection Committee of the 12th term.

Representatives of Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, prominent intellectuals, artists, and religious dignitaries; and representatives of outstanding young people representing the younger generation of Vietnam.

Heroic Vietnamese Mothers were invited guests at the opening session of the Congress. (Photo: VNA)

The 13th National Congress received 298 congratulatory letters and telegrams from 149 parties, 6 regional and international organizations, 93 friendship and people's organizations, 25 diplomatic missions, and 16 individuals from 92 countries. This is the highest number of congratulatory letters and telegrams received by a National Congress of the Party compared to previous Congresses, demonstrating the deep affection of international friends for the Party, State, and people of Vietnam; and at the same time, affirming the role, position, and prestige of the Party, State, and nation of Vietnam in the international arena.

The theme of the Congress is: “Strengthening the building and rectification of the Party and the political system to be clean and strong; arousing the will and determination to develop the country, promoting the strength of national unity combined with the strength of the times; continuing to comprehensively and synchronously promote the reform process; building and firmly defending the Fatherland, maintaining a peaceful and stable environment; striving to make Vietnam a developed country, following the socialist orientation, by the middle of the 21st century.”

Comrade Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Member of the Political Bureau and Prime Minister, delivered the opening speech of the Congress on behalf of the Presidium. (Photo: VNA)

The opening speech of the Congress stated: “The 13th National Congress of the Party has a great historical responsibility to our Fatherland, our people, and our nation, not only for the 5-year period of 2021-2025 but also for the coming decades and for future generations of the country. With the perspective of facing the truth squarely, speaking the truth, innovating, integrating, and developing, upholding the tradition of unity, working together, and steadfastly believing in Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh Thought, and the path chosen by the Party and beloved Uncle Ho, the Congress has the task of reviewing the implementation of the Resolution of the 12th Party Congress in conjunction with evaluating 35 years of the reform process; 30 years of implementing the 1991 Platform; 10 years of implementing the 2011 supplementary and development Platform and the 10-year socio-economic development strategy 2011-2020; and setting forth directions and tasks for economic development.” The socio-economic development plan for the five-year period 2021-2025 sets goals and directions for 2030 and a vision for national development until 2045.

At the same time, the Congress conducted a thorough and comprehensive review of Party building work and the leadership and guidance of the 12th Central Committee; determined the direction and tasks of Party building in the new term; assessed the implementation of the Party Charter; and especially elected the 13th Central Committee, comprising comrades who are truly outstanding in terms of political qualities, revolutionary ethics, leadership capacity, fortitude, and intellect, capable of meeting the increasingly high demands of the cause of reform, and leading and guiding the implementation of the great, arduous, but also very glorious tasks entrusted by the Party, the State, and the people in the coming years.”

Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, reads the Political Report of the 12th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other documents submitted to the Congress. (Photo: VNA)

The report of the 12th Central Committee of the Party on the documents submitted to the 13th Party Congress affirms:

“ Over the past five years, seizing favorable opportunities, overcoming difficulties and challenges, especially the impact of successive epidemics and natural disasters, the entire Party, people, and army have demonstrated patriotism, solidarity, determination, courage, creativity, and effort to achieve many very important and comprehensive achievements, creating many outstanding milestones; the country has developed rapidly and sustainably; and the people's trust in the Party, the State, and the socialist system has been consolidated and enhanced.”

Our economy has maintained a relatively high average growth rate (around 5.9%). Many difficulties, obstacles, limitations, and weaknesses from previous years have been addressed, yielding initial positive results. The quality of growth has improved; macroeconomic stability has been fairly solid; inflation has been controlled and maintained at a low level; major economic balances continue to be ensured and have shown improvement; and discipline and order in state finance and budget have been strengthened.

Total social investment capital mobilization increased significantly, and its utilization efficiency improved. The trade balance improved; exports increased rapidly. Restructuring the economy, linked with innovation in the growth model and the implementation of three strategic breakthroughs, achieved important results. The investment and business environment, the potential, scale, and competitiveness of the economy continued to improve. Political and social stability was maintained, and the people's living standards improved significantly.

Social security, healthcare, education and training, science and technology, environmental protection, cultural development, and the building of Vietnamese people have seen many positive changes, with some aspects being quite prominent.

The Congress listened as Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, read the Political Report of the 12th Central Committee of the Party on the documents submitted to the 13th National Congress of the Party. (Photo: VNA)

The work of building and rectifying the Party and the political system has been given special attention, carried out comprehensively, synchronously, and effectively in all aspects: political, ideological, moral, organizational, and personnel. Many complex issues that were raised and addressed in previous years but had low effectiveness have seen positive changes during this term.

Inspection, supervision, and the fight against corruption, waste, and negative phenomena have been implemented decisively, systematically, and in depth, achieving breakthroughs and concrete, tangible results. Many economic and corruption cases have been discovered, investigated, prosecuted, and tried rigorously, creating a deterrent and warning effect, which has been welcomed, highly appreciated, and supported by cadres, Party members, and the people. The situation of corruption, negative phenomena, degradation, "self-evolution," and "self-transformation" within the Party and the political system has been gradually contained and prevented.

Given the rapidly changing and complex global and regional situation, we have prioritized strengthening national defense and security, proactively and successfully handling various situations, and avoiding passivity and surprises. Political, economic, cultural, and social security, as well as social order and safety, have been maintained.

External relations and international integration have been strengthened, continuously expanding and deepening; resolutely and persistently defending independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and national interests; maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for national development, while making positive and responsible contributions to peace, cooperation, and development in the world and the region, receiving the approval and high praise of the international community; the prestige and position of the Party and State, and the strength and influence of the country are constantly being enhanced in the international arena.

In 2020, amidst the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our country, causing significant socio-economic damage, the nation achieved remarkable results and accomplishments compared to previous years. While the global economy experienced a recession with negative growth of nearly 4%, our economy still achieved a growth rate of 2.91%, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world...

It can be affirmed that the achievements during the 12th National Congress term are of đặc biệt importance, not only creating a remarkable mark, but also contributing to consolidating confidence, creating new momentum and a new spirit for the entire Party, people, and army to steadfastly overcome difficulties and challenges, seize opportunities and advantages, and lead the country into a new period of development.

Over the past 35 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renovation) policy and 30 years of implementing the National Construction Program during the transitional period to socialism, the theory of the Doi Moi policy, socialism, and the path to socialism in our country has been increasingly perfected and gradually realized. We have achieved tremendous achievements of historical significance, developing more strongly and comprehensively than in the years before Doi Moi. With all humility, we can still say that: Our country has never had such a foundation, potential, position, and international prestige as it does today.”

Comrade Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Member of the Political Bureau and Chairwoman of the National Assembly, presided over the Congress on behalf of the Presidium. (Photo: VNA)

The 13th National Congress of the Party discussed and approved the basic contents regarding the assessment of the implementation of the Resolution of the 12th National Congress (2016-2021) and the directions and tasks for the 5 years from 2021-2026 as presented in the Political Report and the Socio-Economic Report of the 12th Central Committee of the Party to the Congress.

With the spirit of "Unity-Democracy-Discipline-Creativity-Development," and a high sense of responsibility to the Party, the People, and the country, the 13th National Congress of the Party has set forth the following main goals and tasks for the 2021-2026 term:

Overall objective:

To enhance the leadership capacity, governing capacity, and fighting strength of the Party; to build a clean, strong, and comprehensive Party and political system; to consolidate and strengthen the people's trust in the Party, the State, and the socialist regime; to awaken the aspiration for a prosperous and happy country, to promote the will and strength of national unity combined with the strength of the times; to comprehensively and synchronously accelerate the process of reform, industrialization, and modernization; to build and firmly defend the Fatherland, maintain a peaceful and stable environment; and to strive to become a developed country with a socialist orientation by the middle of the 21st century.

Specific objectives:

- By 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the complete liberation of Southern Vietnam and national reunification: Vietnam will be a developing country with a modern industrial sector, surpassing the lower-middle income level.

- By 2030, the 100th anniversary of the Party's founding: A developing country with modern industry and a high middle income.

- By 2045, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: To become a developed, high-income country.

Orientation of key socio-economic development targets for the 5-year period 2021-2025:

Economically : The average annual economic growth rate (GDP) over the next five years is expected to be around 6.5-7%. By 2025, GDP per capita is projected to reach approximately US$4,700-5,000; the contribution of total factor productivity (TFP) to growth is expected to be around 45%; the average annual growth rate of social labor productivity is projected to exceed 6.5%; the urbanization rate is expected to be around 45%; the proportion of manufacturing in GDP is expected to exceed 25%; and the digital economy is expected to account for approximately 20% of GDP.

Regarding social aspects: By 2025, the proportion of agricultural labor in the total social workforce will be approximately 25%; the proportion of trained labor will be 70%; the unemployment rate in urban areas will be below 4% in 2025; the multidimensional poverty rate will maintain a reduction of 1-1.5% annually; there will be 10 doctors and 30 hospital beds per 10,000 people; the health insurance coverage rate will reach 95% of the population; the average life expectancy will reach approximately 74.5 years; the percentage of communes meeting the new rural standards will be at least 80%, of which at least 10% will meet the model new rural standards.

Regarding the environment: By 2025, the rate of access to clean and hygienic water for urban residents will be 95-100%, and for rural residents 93-95%; the rate of collection and treatment of urban solid waste meeting standards and regulations will reach 90%; the rate of operating industrial parks and export processing zones with centralized wastewater treatment systems meeting environmental standards will be 92%; the rate of seriously polluting facilities that have been dealt with will reach 100%; and the forest cover rate will remain stable at 42%.

Key tasks during the 13th Party Congress term:

(1) Continue to strengthen Party building and rectification, build a socialist rule of law state and a comprehensive, clean, and strong political system. Innovate the Party's leadership and governance methods.

Build a streamlined political system with effective and efficient operations. Continue to intensify the fight against bureaucracy, corruption, waste, negative phenomena, "group interests," and manifestations of "self-evolution" and "self-transformation" within the party.

Building a team of Party members and cadres at all levels, especially at the strategic level and among leaders, who possess sufficient qualities, capabilities, and prestige to match their responsibilities. Consolidating the people's trust and attachment to the Party, the State, and the socialist system.

(2) Focus on controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, mass vaccination of the community with COVID-19 vaccines; restore and develop socio-economic activities, strongly innovate the growth model, restructure the economy, build and complete a comprehensive development institution suitable for a full, modern, and integrated market economy; develop synchronously and create linkages between regions, areas, economic sectors, and types of production and business; have effective support policies for agricultural enterprises; promote research, transfer, and application of scientific and technological advancements, innovation, especially the achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, implement national digital transformation, develop the digital economy, improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of the economy; mobilize, allocate, and use resources effectively, creating momentum for rapid and sustainable economic development; Improving the legal system, especially laws on intellectual property protection and civil dispute resolution, and overcoming bottlenecks that hinder the country's development.

People in Buon Ma Thuot city are being vaccinated against COVID-19. (Photo: Tuan Anh/VNA)

(3) Maintain independence and self-reliance, continue to improve the quality and effectiveness of foreign affairs and international integration; strengthen national defense and security potential, build a revolutionary, regular, elite, and progressively modern People's Army and People's Public Security, with some forces moving straight to modernity, creating a solid foundation to strive to build a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern People's Army and People's Public Security by 2030; resolutely and persistently protect the independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, sea, islands, and airspace; maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development.

(4) Awaken the aspiration for a prosperous and happy country; promote the cultural values and strength of Vietnamese people in the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland and international integration; have specific policies to develop the culture of ethnic minorities; implement social policies well, ensure social security and human security, create strong changes in social development management, achieve progress and social justice, improve the quality of life and happiness index of Vietnamese people.

(5) Complete the synchronous legal system, mechanisms, and policies to strongly promote socialist democracy and the people's right to self-governance; at the same time build a clean and strong socialist rule of law state in Vietnam; reform the judiciary, strengthen the rule of law, ensure social discipline, first of all, the exemplary compliance with the law and practice of socialist democracy by Party committees, Party organizations, government, Vietnam Fatherland Front and political-social organizations at all levels, by cadres and Party members; strengthen national unity.

(6) Strictly manage and rationally and effectively utilize land and resources; protect and improve the environment; proactively and actively implement solutions to adapt to climate change and severe natural disasters.

The Congress listened as Comrade Le Minh Hung, Head of the Congress Secretariat, read the Draft Resolution of the 13th National Congress of the Party. (Photo: VNA)

The 13th National Congress of the Party also discussed and approved:

- Political report of the Central Committee of the 12th Party Congress at the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

- The 10-year socio-economic development strategy 2021-2030, and the directions and tasks for socio-economic development in the 5-year period 2021-2025.

- Report summarizing the work of Party building and implementation of the Party Charter by the Central Committee of the 12th term;

- Report reviewing the leadership and guidance of the 12th Central Committee of the Party presented to the 13th National Congress.

With a high sense of responsibility, the 13th National Congress of the Party elected a new Central Committee of 200 members, including 180 full members and 20 alternate members.

Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the 13th Central Committee and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, delivered a speech on behalf of the 13th Central Committee. (Photo: VNA)

At its first meeting, the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam convened to elect the Politburo, the Central Secretariat, and the Central Inspection Committee.

Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong was re-elected to continue serving as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party for the 13th term. Comrade Tran Cam Tu was re-elected to serve as Chairman of the Central Inspection Committee.

After seven days of work, the 13th National Congress of the Party concluded on February 1, 2021.

In his closing speech, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized: "The 13th National Congress of the Party was a resounding success, completing all the planned content and programs, and ending nearly two days earlier than scheduled."

The resounding success of the 13th National Congress of the Party will strongly encourage the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army to continue overcoming all difficulties and challenges, seizing opportunities and advantages, and striving to soon transform our country into a developed, high-income country, following the socialist orientation. I propose that: Immediately after the Congress, all Party committees and organizations should focus on effectively disseminating and widely publicizing the results of the Congress throughout the Party, the entire people, and the entire army; thoroughly studying and understanding the Resolution and other documents of the Congress; promptly developing and implementing action programs and plans; launching a widespread patriotic emulation movement with a spirit of innovation and creativity, overcoming all difficulties and challenges to quickly put the Congress Resolution into practice, transforming the Congress's decisions into vibrant realities.

The Congress calls upon the entire Party, the entire people, the entire army, and our compatriots at home and abroad to highly promote the spirit of patriotism, the will for self-reliance and self-improvement, the strength of national unity, and to strive to successfully implement the Resolution of the Congress with the spirit that each year must be better than the previous year; the 13th term must be better than the 12th term.