Unlocking crucial endogenous resources

The Politburo's issuance of Resolution No. 80 on cultural development sets forth a strategic requirement: building corporate culture and business culture as a pillar of sustainable development.

VietnamPlus•01/05/2026

In the context of a global economy undergoing profound transformation driven by technology, integration, and fierce competition, business culture—corporate culture—is no longer merely an "auxiliary software" but has become a core element determining national competitiveness.

In particular, the Politburo's issuance of Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW dated January 7, 2026, on the development of Vietnamese culture has set a strategic requirement: building corporate culture and business culture as a pillar of sustainable development.

The Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN) has published a series of five articles on the theme "Corporate Culture - the 'Soft Pillar' of the Modern Economy," focusing on making business culture and corporate culture an important intrinsic strength that not only shapes the ideological foundation for innovation in the growth model, but also becomes a soft power of the national economy and enhances international competitiveness in the new era.

Lesson 1: Unlocking Important Endogenous Resources

Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW consistently affirms that culture is not only a spiritual foundation but also an important endogenous driving force in socio-economic development.

This is the groundbreaking new point and the most important hallmark of the Resolution, reflecting a development in awareness and decisive action orientation, placing culture and people at the center of the development strategy, thereby creating an ideological foundation for reforming the growth model.

Important endogenous resources

In line with Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, business culture is placed at the center of the country's sustainable development strategy, not only as an ethical standard but also as an important endogenous resource of the economy, reflected in how businesses manage, how entrepreneurs behave, how they compete, cooperate, and serve society. Therefore, business culture and corporate culture become endogenous resources, the soft power of the national economy in the new era, and an important component of national culture.

The resolution also affirms that business culture—corporate culture—must be integrated and deeply ingrained in all areas, including production and business activities, thereby becoming a factor regulating market behavior, shaping competition standards, and improving the quality of development.

In that spirit, the Resolution emphasizes the need to "build a team of entrepreneurs with ethical standards and business culture that reflects the national cultural identity and the best of international business culture." This is not only a policy direction, but also a call to action for the Vietnamese business community in restructuring its development model.

While competitive advantage previously stemmed primarily from low costs and abundant labor, it is now being gradually replaced by management capabilities, brand reputation, and cultural values. Business culture and corporate culture have therefore become "intangible assets" with "soft" power that is decisive for the longevity of a business.

Manufacturing electronic components. (Source: VNA)

Previously, Resolution No. 41-NQ/TW dated October 10, 2023, of the Politburo on building and promoting the role of Vietnamese entrepreneurs in the new era clearly defined the task of building a business culture with national identity, while simultaneously absorbing the best aspects of global business culture.

Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW dated May 4, 2015, of the Politburo on the development of the private economy has also created a strong impetus, arousing confidence and a spirit of innovation and business ethics in the business community, and has been widely supported, embraced, and actively implemented in practice by many entrepreneurs.

Along with other important resolutions of the Politburo on institutional reform, science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation, these resolutions have created a unified whole, guiding the rapid and sustainable development of Vietnamese entrepreneurs and the business community in the new era.

In fact, after 40 years of reform, the Vietnamese business community has undergone a spectacular transformation, continuously growing in scale and achieving many important accomplishments with its own unique business culture and philosophies.

Particularly in recent years, there has been a positive shift in awareness regarding the role of culture in businesses. Many businesses have focused on building core values, codes of conduct, and a humane work environment; establishing core values linked to national spirit and international standards, with people at the center.

The culture of "customer-centricity," "innovation," and "integrity" is not only declared but also institutionalized in the management systems of many businesses. Many corporations have succeeded in building an open work environment that encourages creativity and continuous learning, helping businesses not only retain talent but also build a sustainable brand.

Notable examples include the Vietnam National Energy and Industry Corporation (Petrovietnam) with its culture built on solidarity, camaraderie, social responsibility, and continuous innovation; the Military Telecommunications and Industry Corporation (Viettel) with its culture of discipline, creativity, and dedication; FPT Group with its culture of innovation, lifelong learning, and encouragement of experimentation and outstanding, distinctive creativity; Vinamilk Group with its global standard management culture; Vingroup with its culture of speed and aspiration to conquer big goals; and TH Group with its humanistic culture linked to social responsibility and welfare…

Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Ho Sy Hung, affirmed that practice shows that businesses that are steadfast in ethical standards, comply with the law, and prioritize reputation as a central value have built long-term competitiveness, strengthened social trust, and effectively mitigated risks in the process of international integration.

However, frankly speaking, building corporate culture still faces many shortcomings. Many businesses still view culture as a formality, more of a slogan than a substance.

Values like "integrity," "transparency," and "social responsibility" are "displayed on the wall" but haven't truly permeated management practices and daily business operations.

Unfair competition and violations of business ethics still occur in some sectors. Commercial fraud, tax evasion, violations of workers' rights, and "circumvention of the law" in business have not been thoroughly addressed, eroding market confidence.

Many businesses lack the resources and long-term vision to invest in corporate culture, as immediate survival concerns are often prioritized over building sustainable value.

Mr. Le Quang Vu, CEO of Blue C Company, a corporate culture consulting firm, emphasized that Vietnamese businesses are now paying more attention to corporate culture.

However, there are still quite a few flawed approaches to implementing corporate culture, even among large businesses. Most businesses, when implementing corporate culture, tend to focus on the surface, chasing after appearances, and simply following what others are doing.

Furthermore, the implementation of corporate culture in some businesses remains short-term, leading to a lack of consistency and focus on depth. On the other hand, despite increased attention to culture, businesses still haven't allocated sufficient resources to it, including leadership time, budget, and dedicated personnel.

From policy to practice - the gap needs to be narrowed.

At the National Forum "Culture and Business in 2026" held on March 21st, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh affirmed that a strong economy is not only measured by GDP size, technological capacity, market share, or level of integration, but also by business culture; social responsibility; transparency; the spirit of innovation and the aspiration to contribute of businesses.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh speaks at the 2026 Annual National Forum on "Culture and Business". (Photo: Phuong Lan/VNA)

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh also emphasized: "Technology may change; markets may fluctuate; products may become outdated, but culture and brand reputation are always sustainable values for businesses to survive, develop long-term, and position themselves."

According to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy, in the era of integration, business culture has become a core competitive advantage, and the success or failure of a business depends not only on technology or capital but also on integrity, transparency, and cultural identity. “This is especially true in the context of international markets increasingly setting stringent standards on ESG (environment, social, and governance), business ethics, and social responsibility. A business lacking a strong cultural foundation will find it difficult to participate deeply in the global value chain,” Deputy Minister Trinh Thi Thuy emphasized.

To translate the orientations of Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW on cultural development into standards of conduct, ethics, and identity in business activities, Professor, Dr. Tu Thi Loan - Vice President of the Vietnam Association for the Development of Corporate Culture, believes that businesses need to build and establish their core values, linked to the common standards of Vietnamese business culture such as respect for the law, upholding trustworthiness, honesty, respect for partners, healthy competition, and responsibility to the community.

These values need to be formalized into a code of conduct and professional ethical standards, applied consistently throughout the company's operations.

Furthermore, corporate culture needs to be integrated into long-term development strategies, linked to modern corporate governance, focusing on human resource development and the work environment, and building a culture of respect, creativity, cooperation, and responsibility. When employees truly embrace shared values, corporate culture will naturally spread throughout production and business operations.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Le Quang Vu suggested that businesses should first systematically reassess their corporate culture; identifying its core values, its foundation, and the factors that contributed to past success and will continue to ensure future success.

From there, we can find ways to apply those things, transforming them into "soft power" and creating a solid foundation to overcome difficulties.

"I believe that the internal strength of most Vietnamese businesses is very great and has great potential. If we can unlock the cultural key, build people's love for the business, and unlock the potential within each individual, then the organization they cherish, are attached to, and are proud of will also grow," Mr. Le Quang Vu affirmed.

Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW has provided clear directions, but for those directions to be implemented effectively, a synchronized effort from the entire system is needed. First and foremost, it is necessary to improve institutions and create a transparent and fair legal environment, thereby encouraging businesses to develop sustainably. Honoring businesses with good corporate culture while strictly addressing violations of business ethics is essential.

The National Forum “Culture with Businesses in 2026,” organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of Industry and Trade; and the Organizing Committee of the Campaign “Building Vietnamese Business Culture,” recently announced the “Vietnamese Business Culture Values in the New Era,” with a launching ceremony and commitments to implementation from the business community.

This is considered a key element that not only guides business behavior but also builds and spreads cultural values within the business community, contributing to the creation of a transparent, civilized, and sustainable business environment, and enhancing the position of Vietnamese businesses in the global economy.

Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW has opened up a new, more comprehensive approach to the role of culture in development, in which corporate culture is identified as a key factor, both fundamental and driving. However, the journey from awareness to action is still a long one, and for culture to truly become a "sustainable foundation in the new era," it requires perseverance, consistency, and collaboration from the State, businesses, and the entire society.