"Overcoming obstacles and moving forward"...

During his visit and working trip to Thanh Hoa province, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh repeatedly emphasized the lesson of success: "Resources originate from mindset. Motivation stems from innovation. Strength comes from the people's will." This is also a lesson for Thanh Hoa to reflect upon and continue its journey of "leveraging opportunities," "creating momentum," and "overcoming obstacles to move forward"...

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Plant (November 2023).

Increase policy "alignment".

In the course of development, it is inevitable that unforeseen obstacles and difficulties will arise. The same is true for Thanh Hoa province; the journey to building a prosperous, beautiful, civilized, and exemplary province is a journey full of unprecedented challenges, and therefore requires the Party committee, the government, and especially the leaders, to have the right understanding, keen thinking, and decisive action.

Thanh Hoa province deeply recognizes that Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15 is a significant document, representing the highest level of institutionalization of Resolution No. 58-NQ/TW of the Politburo on building and developing Thanh Hoa province until 2030, with a vision to 2045. This guiding policy framework has laid the foundation and will continue to lay the groundwork for increased resources and momentum to promote rapid and sustainable economic growth and development in the province. Therefore, the locality has implemented it very seriously and systematically, aiming to maximize the benefits from the specific mechanisms and policies. However, because it is a new policy and a "pilot" program, there is inevitably a lack of "connection" between the policy and practice, leading to limitations in its feasibility.

Currently, 3 out of 8 specific policies under Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15 cannot be applied (including policies on loan balance limits; fees and charges; and revenue from the handling of houses and land). Meanwhile, some policies that have been applied are also revealing limitations. In seeking the root causes of these limitations and inadequacies, it is essential to emphasize an objective reason: these specific policies are fundamentally not yet included in existing legal regulations. Furthermore, because they are being implemented for the first time in the province, supplementary guiding decrees are needed before implementation can begin. This has somewhat affected the progress of policy implementation. Coupled with this is the complexity of the global situation and, in particular, the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of the economy and the erosion of businesses' resilience. These are unpredictable factors that have significantly affected import and export activities through Nghi Son Seaport, as well as the implementation of the province's specific policies on fees and charges...

Besides objective reasons, Thanh Hoa province frankly acknowledges that the limitations in implementing Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15 are partly the responsibility of the locality, as some agencies and units have not truly made the highest political effort and determination to effectively utilize the advantages that special policies bring. In reality, a correct policy is only a "necessary" condition, but for a policy to be effectively implemented, the "sufficient" condition is the people or the team implementing the policy. The implementation process of Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15 in some agencies, units, and localities has shown that the professional capacity of a portion of officials and civil servants has not met the requirements of the task. This "weakness" leads to limitations in proposing truly groundbreaking solutions to maximize the effectiveness of special policies.

Nevertheless, it is necessary to objectively acknowledge that the law of development is inherently a continuous process of conflict arising and resolving. This is inevitable, because conflict is the source of movement and development. Understanding this helps us see that the emergence of obstacles and difficulties in the process of socio-economic development in general, and the implementation of policies in particular, specifically in the implementation of a new policy, unprecedented in its execution, such as Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15, inevitably leads to shortcomings in both mechanisms and human resources. However, if we can "separate the wheat from the chaff" or look deeply into the essence of the matter in a positive way, these shortcomings can serve as a "lens" to reassess the suitability and feasibility of the policy in practice, in order to make adjustments to suit the actual situation. At the same time, with the determination to transform the special mechanism into a unique advantage and a powerful driving force, it will pave the way for the implementation of Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15 to achieve the best results.

In that spirit, and based on the practical review after three years of implementing Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15, Thanh Hoa province is proposing that the National Assembly consider amending, abolishing, or supplementing some specific mechanisms and policies to suit the new situation and requirements. For example, regarding the policy on retaining increased revenue from import and export activities through Nghi Son Seaport: instead of stipulating "not exceeding 70% of the increased revenue," Thanh Hoa province proposes amending it to "70% of the increased revenue"; at the same time, removing the condition that the amount of increased revenue from import and export activities through Nghi Son Seaport must not exceed the amount of increased revenue compared to the previous year. This will create favorable conditions for Thanh Hoa to receive additional resources to complete infrastructure development and implement the expansion plan for the Nghi Son Economic Zone, which has been approved by the Prime Minister.

Regarding the policy on loan limits stipulated in Clause 1, Article 3 of Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15 of the National Assembly, the province proposes its abolition. The reason given is that all forms of borrowing by local governments, as stipulated, require repayment of principal and interest at relatively high rates and are subject to various binding conditions as prescribed by the lending institutions. Meanwhile, the province's budget is still limited and lacks the capacity to self-balance its resources to repay the debt during the policy's implementation period, thus hindering its effectiveness. Furthermore, based on the local situation, Thanh Hoa province is proposing to the National Assembly the addition of several new specific mechanisms and policies related to leadership positions at the provincial, departmental, and Thanh Hoa City levels; and the delegation of authority to the Provincial People's Council in deciding on the use of local budgets and certain economic policies (public investment, industrial park infrastructure investment, land acquisition, and site clearance...).

"Utilizing the situation," "generating force"

A question arises: Does Vietnam have the right to dream of becoming a dragon, given that our ancestors and the people of Vietnam today are all descendants of dragons and fairies? Especially when Vietnam is facing unprecedented opportunities for development, rooted in the nation's strong foundation, potential, position, and international prestige. So, what reason could possibly prevent us from nurturing and realizing that dream?!

As an important and closely integrated part of the nation's territory, Thanh Hoa has the responsibility of nurturing and realizing the "dream of becoming a dragon" for the country. This is because "the wealth of Thanh Hoa is the shared wealth of the nation." Therefore, to shoulder this great but honorable and proud responsibility, Thanh Hoa must become a powerful growth engine. In other words, Thanh Hoa itself must strive to "leverage its strengths" and "create momentum" for development.

Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation between Niigata Prefecture, Japan and Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam (November 2023).

First and foremost, we must effectively utilize external resources from the mechanisms and policies of the Party and State, most directly and specifically through Resolution No. 58-NQ/TW of the Politburo and Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15 of the National Assembly. Simultaneously, we must maximize the potential from our unique geopolitical position; along with a vast "asset" of glorious historical traditions and a rich cultural heritage – fundamental and crucial internal resources. In particular, we must internalize the lesson of success repeatedly emphasized by the head of government: "Resources originate from thinking. Motivation comes from innovation. Strength comes from the people's hearts," so that the development of a prosperous and beautiful Thanh Hoa becomes a "command from the heart," fueled by the burning love and dedication of every citizen of this land.

There's a very insightful observation that the level of social leadership/management reflects both the cultural level and the cultural qualities of individuals. Accordingly, a sound development policy is one that allows cultural elements to permeate all areas of human creativity, especially leadership/management culture; moral culture, lifestyle, etc. Therefore, building a "development ecosystem" must first and foremost focus on political culture and leadership culture. This is because these are fundamental factors in guiding and inspiring innovation, creativity, and the courage to think big and act big within the political system and throughout society.

Stemming from that requirement, Thanh Hoa province has been focusing on building an honest and innovative administrative apparatus, with a focus on administrative reform and strengthening discipline and order. At the same time, Thanh Hoa has always considered personnel work to be the "key of keys." As Deputy Head of the Central Organization Department Do Trong Hung, when he was Secretary of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, repeatedly affirmed: "To successfully carry out political tasks and gradually realize the aspiration to build and develop Thanh Hoa province into a new growth pole in the North of the country, prosperous, beautiful, civilized, modern, and a model for the whole country, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee has determined that building a team of cadres plays a particularly important role. The province focuses on building, assigning, and utilizing a team of cadres suitable to the requirements and tasks, while identifying, encouraging, and protecting dynamic and creative cadres and filtering out weak cadres."

Today, although "economic growth is the fundamental means of achieving economic development," "growth itself is an imperfect measure of progress." Therefore, growth must aim for harmonious and sustainable development between the economy, culture, and environment. In other words, sustainable development must be a trend, an essential requirement. Thanh Hoa is no exception; in fact, the harmony between economy and culture needs to be elevated to a higher level. This is because the culture of this land is not only a treasure trove of rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage, but also possesses a high and deep level of "soft power," with a tradition of patriotism, self-reliance, self-strength, resilience, intelligence, dignity, and human character. This is the foundation for the sustainable and prosperous development of Thanh Hoa, and is also consistent with the spirit of Resolution No. 58-NQ/TW of the Politburo.

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh clearly stated: "The nature of a stone is to remain inert, not to move. But when many people work together to push it, no matter how big or heavy the stone, it will have to roll." All obstacles on the path to development are like the "stone" of narrow thinking and vision, of insufficient determination and action, of inadequate mechanisms and policies... To roll that "stone" off the highway of development, a very high spirit of unity is needed within the political system and throughout society. This is also because "Thanh Hoa has gone through many ups and downs and breakthroughs. When there are ups and downs, unity is in trouble; when there are breakthroughs, the spirit of great unity is emphasized" (Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh). Therefore, we must deeply understand President Ho Chi Minh's admonition: "The cause is built on unity!" Only when the strength of solidarity – unity of purpose, strength, and shared hardship – of millions of people is unleashed can all obstacles on the path to development be overcome. From there, a society can be built where morality and culture form the foundation for creative thinking to flourish, for talented individuals to contribute, and for faith to blossom, realizing the aspirations of Thanh Hoa province.

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History has proven that great successes originate from seizing and making the most of opportunities. For example, the historical mission placed upon Le Loi's shoulders, and the art of seizing opportunities applied in each stage and each battle, transformed the "Oath of Lung Nhai" into the "Oath of Dong Quan," ushering in an era of "eternal stability" for the nation. Proud of the land's historical traditions and its illustrious "pioneer," we feel a profound responsibility to future generations to seize the opportunities and advantages presented by Resolution No. 58-NQ/TW of the Politburo and Resolution No. 37/2021/QH15 of the National Assembly. This will allow us to transform the aspiration for a prosperous, civilized, and exemplary Thanh Hoa province into a reality.

“Thanh Hoa must strive, be determined, not accept poverty, not accept being inferior to others, maximize its strengths to build a development strategy, a comprehensive long-term development plan. It must cultivate a spirit of pride in its homeland, unity, and shared willingness to endure hardship. The policies must be correct, and the mechanisms and policies must be strong. To achieve this, the leadership and guidance are crucial, first and foremost the Party committees, the Party organizations, and the leaders must be truly united, truly love each other, and be of one mind for the homeland; they must have very high determination and make great efforts… Resolutions must be turned into reality (...) I believe it can be done, because our people are very good, the people of Thanh Hoa are very revolutionary!” (Former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong).

Le Dung

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nghi-quyet-mo-duong-hien-thuc-hoa-khat-vong-thanh-hoa-giau-dep-bai-cuoi-dap-bang-chong-gai-di-toi-225305.htm