Aspiration for new development and innovative thinking.

The set of goals and development orientations for the period 2026-2030, with a vision to 2045, was laid out at the 14th National Congress of the Party, with many new strategic points.

Notably, these goals do not exist in isolation, but are placed within a new development mindset, concretized by important resolutions on private sector economy , science and technology, innovation, and state-owned economy.

This demonstrates a strong, substantive, and profound innovation in the Party's development thinking, meeting the requirements of the country's new development stage.

The target for average GDP growth during the 2026-2030 period is 10% or more per year. Photo: Quang Thai

New content, core to development thinking.

Setting a target of an average GDP growth rate of 10% or more per year for the period 2026-2030, with a GDP per capita of approximately US$8,500 by 2030, and aiming towards a vision of Vietnam becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045, clearly reflects Vietnam's strong development aspirations and strategic acumen in the new context.

It is noteworthy that these targets were set amidst global instability, increasing strategic competition, and a growing trend of global economic fragmentation. In this context, Vietnam's continued commitment to high growth demonstrates confidence based on its accumulated internal strengths, as well as belief in the economy's ability to adapt and transform.

More importantly, the goal of high growth is not purely idealistic, but closely linked to innovation in the development model, improving productivity, quality, and efficiency, while comprehensively improving people's lives. This reflects a shift in development thinking from quantitative growth to rapid but sustainable, inclusive, and in-depth growth.

Based on the defined strategic goals and directions, new, core elements in the Party's development thinking can be clearly identified.

First and foremost, it strongly affirms the role of new growth drivers, with science and technology , innovation, and digital transformation identified as central pillars. The thematic resolutions on science and technology development have demonstrated a determination to shift from viewing science and technology as a supporting sector to considering it a direct driver of growth and enhancing national competitiveness.

Secondly, the private sector continues to be affirmed as a crucial driving force of the economy, requiring the creation of a truly equitable, transparent, safe, and highly predictable business environment. This is a significant development in the Party's thinking, reflecting an increasingly comprehensive understanding of the role of the private sector in mobilizing social resources, promoting innovation, and improving the efficiency of resource allocation.

Thirdly, resolutions on innovation and improving the efficiency of the state-owned economy show a clear shift from a "subsidized, direct intervention" mindset to a constructive, leading, and foundation-building mindset. The state-owned economy is defined as playing a leading role not through scale or administrative intervention, but through efficiency, leadership capacity, and macroeconomic stability, especially in key, strategic sectors.

Three pillars—a dynamic private economy, science and technology, and the state-owned economy—are gradually shaping Vietnam's new development model in the coming period.

The framework of thought for a new development model.

The five major guiding principles identified in the development goals for the period 2026-2030 and the vision for 2045 continue to serve as the strategic thinking framework, ensuring consistency and long-term orientation.

These viewpoints demonstrate unwavering adherence to principles, while emphasizing the need to promote strategic autonomy, closely integrate national strength with the strength of the times; and harmoniously combine economic development with cultural and social development, environmental protection, and the strengthening of national defense and security.

In the current context, the perspective of leveraging the strengths of the Vietnamese people and Vietnamese culture as endogenous resources and key drivers of development is of particular importance. This is the focal point of resolutions on science and technology, innovation, private sector development, and improving the quality of human resources.

The vision is to become a developed, high-income country by 2045. To realize this goal, a comprehensive set of solutions must be implemented, including three decisive groups of solutions.

Firstly , there needs to be a breakthrough in development institutions. Institutions must truly create space for innovation, guarantee freedom of business under the law, protect property rights, reduce compliance costs, and enhance enforcement effectiveness. This is a prerequisite for resolutions on private sector economy and science and technology to be implemented effectively.

Secondly , we need to innovate the growth model based on science and technology and innovation, linked to digital transformation, green transformation, and energy transformation. This will help improve productivity, create new industries and sectors, and strengthen the self-reliance of the economy.

Thirdly , we must maximize human resources. Investing in education and training, attracting and utilizing talent; building a team of officials, entrepreneurs, and scientists with a global mindset and Vietnamese spirit. When people become the center and subject of development, long-term strategic goals will have a solid foundation for success.

It can be affirmed that the development goals for the period 2026-2030 and the vision to 2045, along with resolutions on the private economy, science and technology, and the state economy, have outlined a new development model with groundbreaking, modern, and in-depth thinking.

It is a harmonious combination of grand aspirations and steady steps, between the constructive role of the State and the driving force of the market, between economic development and enhancing the happiness of the people. This is the foundation for Vietnam to steadily advance on the path to becoming a developed, powerful, and prosperous nation in the coming period.

Nguyen Quang Huy
Executive Director of the Faculty of Finance and Banking, Nguyen Trai University

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/khat-vong-phat-trien-moi-and-tu-duy-dot-pha-731133.html