Comments on the 14th Party Congress documents: Building a solid foundation for a green and digital Vietnam

The draft Political Report presented to the 14th National Party Congress can be seen as a 'future map' shaping the country's development path during a period of great transition: when the world simultaneously shifts to two main directions - green economy and digital economy.

Khanh Hoa people (formerly Ninh Thuan ) grow onions - Photo: MV

For the first time, the two concepts of green economy and digital economy are seen as "twins" of a new growth model. This is not only a modern approach, but also a strategic shift in thinking: from development based on exploitation to development based on knowledge, technology and environmental responsibility.

Vietnam is currently on a path full of opportunities but also full of challenges. Opportunities - because we are standing in a position that is internationally recognized as the new center of supply chains and innovation. Challenges - because if we do not "build a solid foundation", that development can collapse in the face of global fluctuations, climate change or resource crises.

The lesson from bridges, roads, and industrial parks that have been damaged early is the clearest warning: you cannot build high-rise buildings on weak ground. For the country, that "foundation" is institutions, digital-green infrastructure, and high-quality human resources.

The draft has expressed that vision by affirming that sustainable development is the central axis, with people at the center, and the digital economy and green economy as the driving force. This shows that the Party's thinking is shifting strongly from "growth at all costs" to "responsible growth".

In a context where climate change is estimated to cost nearly 5% of GDP each year, putting environmental protection on par with economic development is not just a moral choice, but a matter of survival.

However, there is still a significant gap between vision and action. Currently, only about 20% of enterprises in Vietnam have fully adopted digital transformation; many localities are still struggling to deploy renewable energy due to a lack of coordination mechanisms, infrastructure and investment capital.

These figures show that we have realized the right direction, but the "wheels" are not rolling hard enough. Digital transformation - green transformation, if it wants to be successful, must become a unified national strategy, not individual, fragmented projects.

The first thing to do is to improve the institutions. When the legal foundation is unclear, green or digital initiatives are easily "stuck" in the implementation stage. There must be a synchronous legal framework on the circular economy, digital data, carbon emissions, green finance, etc. so that businesses can confidently invest in the long term.

At the same time, the State needs to play the role of "architect" - a guide, not just a "gatekeeper". An open, transparent mechanism that encourages innovation will be the first concrete layer of the foundation for development.

In addition, digital infrastructure and green infrastructure must be considered as a unified whole. A national data center consumes millions of kWh of electricity every year - if that electricity does not come from clean energy, the digital transformation process itself exacerbates the environmental crisis.

On the contrary, the management of the environment, emissions, forest and marine resources without digital data, without automatic sensor and monitoring systems will only be a slogan. Green and digital must progress together, because each side is the condition for the other to exist.

Another equally important factor is people. Digital or green transformation is not just about technology, but also about changing mindsets. We need to train a generation of workers who are able to work with data and artificial intelligence, but also have professional ethics and ecological awareness.

When an engineer knows that his design not only optimizes costs but also reduces emissions; when an entrepreneur understands that today's profits cannot be traded for the future of the environment - that is when the human capital foundation is truly solid.

It must also be said that sustainable development does not mean going slowly. On the contrary, it is the way to go faster and further, because only when the foundation is stable, the construction will not collapse. If the institution is strengthened, the infrastructure is digitized and greened, and the human resources are upgraded, then Vietnam can make a breakthrough on its own path: green development, high technology, based on knowledge and innovation.

The world is reshaping the economic order with two new standards: green and digital. Whoever dominates these two “fronts” will become the center of the new value chain. This draft Political Report has opened that door. But if we stop at vision, the door will remain closed. What is needed most is concrete action, with binding targets, strict sanctions and consistent political commitment.

Sustainable development is not just a number in a report. It is the peace of rivers, the clean air for children, the technology used for people, not to replace people. When a country knows how to lay the first brick with honesty, intelligence and responsibility, every building - no matter how high - will stand firm against the storms of the times.

Invite to join the forum of People's opinions sent to the Party

Readers are invited to read the full text of the draft documents of the 14th Party Congress at the links below and send comments to Tuoi Tre Online via email: gopyvankien@tuoitre.com.vn. The editorial board will select thoughtful and practical comments to publish in the newspaper and on Tuoi Tre Online.

Draft documents announced by the 13th Party Central Committee for comments include:

- Draft Political Report of the 13th Party Central Committee at the 14th Party Congress.

Please see full text here.

- Draft Action Program of the Party Central Committee to implement the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party (attached with the Political Report).

Please see full text here.

- Appendix 4: Assessment of 5 years of implementing the 10-year Socio-Economic Development Strategy 2021-2030.

Please see full text here.

- Appendix 5: On summarizing Party building work during the 13th Congress term and directions, tasks, and solutions for Party building work during the 14th Congress term.

Please see full text here.

- Draft Report summarizing a number of theoretical and practical issues on the socialist-oriented renovation process over the past 40 years in Vietnam.

Please see full text here.

- Draft Report summarizing 15 years of implementing the Party Charter (2011-2025) and proposals and directions for supplementing and amending the Party Charter.

Please see full text here.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gop-y-van-kien-dai-hoi-dang-xiv-xay-nen-vung-cho-mot-viet-nam-xanh-va-so-20251107202459657.htm