Speech by General Secretary To Lam at the National Conference...

"Dear leaders and former leaders of the Party, State, National Assembly , Government, and Vietnam Fatherland Front,

Dear comrades attending the conference at the bridge points.

Dear all party members, veteran cadres and people nationwide.

We are witnessing unprecedented profound changes on a global scale in geopolitics , geoeconomics, strategic competition, the strong shift of economic centers, the explosion of science and technology, along with challenges in climate change, energy security, traditional and non-traditional security. These movements create both challenges and opportunities for all countries. Those who seize the opportunities and overcome the challenges will succeed. Otherwise, the result will be the opposite and will fall into the situation of "slow buffalo drinking muddy water".

After nearly 40 years of persistently implementing the Renovation process, our country has achieved great achievements, one could say great achievements: The economy has grown continuously, people's lives have been improved, and international position has been constantly consolidated. We have the right to be proud, but we must also frankly admit: There are still many fierce challenges ahead, requiring us not to be subjective, not to rest on our laurels, not to delay, and even more so to constantly innovate, reform, promote all resources and motivations in society and among the people, to implement them deeply, comprehensively, resolutely, and with determination to achieve the great goals set. The innovations and reforms that we are implementing are not only objective requirements of development but also orders from the future of the nation.

The innovations and reforms focus on four breakthroughs: Resolution 57 of the Politburo: Promoting science, technology and innovation; Resolution 59 on proactively integrating deeply into the international community. Today, we have just heard the Prime Minister thoroughly understand Resolution 68: Strongly developing the private economic sector; the National Assembly Chairman thoroughly understand Resolution 66: Comprehensively innovating the work of building and enforcing laws.

Up to now, the above 4 Resolutions can be called the "Four Pillars" to help us take off. Therefore, I call on the entire political system, the entire Party, the entire people and the entire army to join hands, unite, overcome all difficulties, turn aspirations into actions, turn potential into real strength, to together bring our country into a new era - an era of development, prosperity and strength of the Vietnamese people.

Dear comrades,

Over the past years, under the wise and correct leadership of the Party, the consensus of the entire nation and the persistent efforts of the entire political system, our country has achieved comprehensive achievements in almost all fields. The macro economy is stable, inflation is under control, major balances are ensured; we have overcome global shocks, successfully controlled the Covid-19 pandemic, quickly recovered the economy and maintained social stability in the context of a volatile world; sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a peaceful environment are maintained; Vietnam's prestige and international position are constantly enhanced; the country participates deeply in regional and global cooperation processes, people's lives continue to improve, and the social security system is increasingly perfected.

However, we also need to frankly admit: The country is facing major challenges. Economic growth is showing signs of slowing down; labor productivity and innovation capacity are still limited; growth quality is not truly sustainable; the risk of falling into the upper middle-income trap still exists. Although the business environment has improved, there are still many barriers; infrastructure is not synchronized; the socialist-oriented market economy institution is not yet complete.

General Secretary To Lam delivered a speech at the Conference. Photo: Viet Trung

The international context is also increasingly complex, with strategic competition between major countries, rising protectionism, geopolitical shocks, climate change and new diseases posing many risks. Internal and external challenges are intertwined, creating great pressure, forcing us to strongly innovate our thinking, ways of doing things and development models. We need a comprehensive, profound and synchronous reform, with new breakthroughs in institutions, economic structures, growth models and organizational apparatus.

Only drastic, persistent and effective reforms can help our country overcome challenges, seize opportunities and realize the aspiration for rapid and sustainable development in the new era.

Dear comrades,

Looking to the future, we are clear: To develop quickly and sustainably, Vietnam cannot follow the old path. We must dare to think big, act big, carry out major reforms with the highest political determination and the most persistent efforts.

The four important Resolutions recently issued by the Politburo will be the fundamental institutional pillars, creating a strong driving force to move our country forward in the new era, realizing the vision of a developed, high-income Vietnam by 2045. Comrades have listened to the detailed contents, I would like to review the core spirit of the resolutions and their mutual impact. To achieve the highest efficiency, we must implement these resolutions well at the same time.

First: Developing the private economy to become "the most important driving force" of the national economy (in the spirit of Resolution 68).

In the process of building a socialist-oriented market economy, the arousal and promotion of all resources in society has become an urgent requirement for rapid development. Resolution 68 of the Politburo was born, demonstrating a great step forward in the theoretical thinking and practical guidance of our Party: "In a socialist-oriented market economy, the private economy is the most important driving force of the national economy". However, we must affirm the leading role of state-owned enterprises in the market economy. The characteristic of Vietnam is "a socialist-oriented market economy, managed by the State, under the leadership of the Party".

These views mark a profound change in strategic awareness of the role of the private sector: from a secondary position to a pillar of development, alongside the state economy and the collective economy, forming a solid “tripod” for an independent, autonomous and successfully integrated economy. Developing the private economy is not only an economic requirement but also a political imperative, aiming to consolidate the foundation of national economic autonomy, enhance competitiveness and adaptability in a volatile world.

In that spirit, the Resolution sets out strong reform requirements, including: Perfecting institutions: Protecting property rights, freedom of business, creating a fair, transparent and stable investment and business environment. Unleashing resources: Expanding access to land, credit, markets and technology for the private sector; thoroughly removing institutional and policy bottlenecks. Promoting innovation: Strongly developing the creative startup ecosystem; supporting private enterprises to invest in research and development, deeply participating in the global innovation network and value chain. Building a team of modern entrepreneurs: Not only good at business but also having political mettle, intelligence, professional ethics, national spirit and aspiration to contribute to the country and reach the world. On the economic front, everyone must work to create material wealth for society; everyone has the right to pursue a developed and happy life and contribute to the development of society; Everyone has the right and conditions to express their aspirations for contribution and innovation. The Party and the State have the responsibility to ensure that all people can exercise their basic human and social rights.

The resolution affirms that Vietnamese entrepreneurs are “soldiers on the economic front” in the new era. They not only contribute to enriching themselves but also carry out the noble mission of building a strong and prosperous country.

It can be said that Resolution 68 lays the foundation for a comprehensive transformation in private economic development policy: from “recognition” to “protection, encouragement, promotion”, from “supplementation” to “leading development”. This is the right, urgent, long-term strategic choice, aiming to realize the aspiration of developing a strong country in the middle of the 21st century.

Second: Create real breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation (according to Resolution 57).

Today, May 18 is Vietnam's Science and Technology Day. I would like to congratulate Vietnam's Science and Technology sector. Congratulations to scientists, intellectuals, technology experts, and businesses on this important day. Wishing Vietnam's science and technology to develop more and more...

In the context of the strong explosion of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution, digital transformation is taking place widely, the world is witnessing a fundamental change in the development model. In response to that urgent requirement, the Politburo issued Resolution 57, clearly defining: Developing science, technology, innovation and digital transformation is a strategic breakthrough, the main driving force to promote national modernization, innovate national governance methods, and develop the economy - society quickly and sustainably.

Thoroughly grasping the spirit of the Resolution, we must deeply realize that science, technology and innovation are not only supporting means, but must be identified as the foundation for development and the main driving force for the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country in the new era.

The Resolution requires strengthening the Party's comprehensive leadership over the cause of developing science, technology and innovation; strongly promoting the leading role of enterprises, entrepreneurs, intellectuals and the entire population in this cause. This is a profound and comprehensive revolution in all areas of social life, requiring us to act with a spirit of strong, drastic, synchronous and consistent innovation, not allowing old thinking, formal and passive working methods to hinder the development process.

With that requirement, the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army must focus on implementing the following key tasks: (1) Raising awareness throughout society, especially the business community and policy-making and implementation agencies, about the particularly important role of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the cause of national development; (2) Making a breakthrough in development thinking, eliminating all outdated cognitive barriers, arousing the spirit of daring to think, daring to do, daring to innovate, and daring to take responsibility; (3) Strengthening political determination, creating high unity throughout the system on the policy of taking science, technology, and innovation as the main driving force for development; (4) Perfecting institutions, proactively removing legal and administrative barriers, creating a favorable environment for innovation, research, and application of science and technology, turning institutions into national competitive advantages.

Party committees, party organizations and authorities at all levels must resolutely direct and concretize the contents of the Resolution into practical action programs and plans; at the same time, clearly define responsibilities, closely inspect and supervise implementation, and ensure substantive changes throughout the system.

If we want to move forward quickly and steadily in the new era, there is no other way than the path of science, technology and innovation. We must be more determined, act more strongly, and be more creative, turning science, technology and innovation into the foundation and key driving force to bring the country to new heights.

Third: Innovate the work of building and enforcing laws to meet the requirements of national development in the new era.

In the context of the country entering a new stage of development with high demands for modernization and deep international integration, the construction and completion of the legal system has become a vital factor, determining the success of the nation's rise. Resolution 66 was born in that context, clearly defining: Fundamental innovation in the work of building and enforcing laws is the core content, the foundation for the process of building a socialist rule-of-law state of Vietnam in the new era.

The Resolution affirms that law is not simply a tool to regulate social behavior, but must be considered the basis for organizing and operating state power, a solid foundation to protect human rights and civil rights, and a lever to promote socio-economic development.

Regarding the guiding viewpoint, the Resolution emphasizes that the work of building and enforcing laws must become a central and regular task of the entire Party and the entire political system, closely linked to the requirements of rapid and sustainable national development. At the same time, laws must be consistent, feasible, transparent, stable, taking practical development as a measure, and at the same time be highly predictive, proactively leading development rather than just following adjustments.

From that perspective, the three key tasks set forth are: (1) Perfecting institutions in key areas such as organizing a streamlined and efficient state apparatus; developing a socialist-oriented market economy; protecting human rights; building a healthy and competitive investment and business environment; (2) Innovating the law-making process in a proactive and constructive manner, ensuring unified, synchronous, specific, easy-to-understand and easy-to-implement laws; (3) Improving the effectiveness of law enforcement, strengthening discipline and order in law enforcement, linking power with accountability.

Legal institutions are the driving force and foundation for national development. A synchronous, feasible and transparent legal system will create a stable environment for production and business, promote innovation, enhance international integration capacity and completely eliminate barriers caused by overlapping and contradictory laws. With that requirement, the spirit of reform is set out, which is: Fundamentally innovate the thinking of law-making: shift from "management" to "service" thinking, from passive to proactive, creating development; Law-making must be one step ahead, ensuring high predictability, consistent with reality and the requirements of rapid development; Law enforcement must be strict, fair, substantive, digital transformation must be associated with publicity, transparency, and maximum convenience for people and businesses; Decentralization and delegation of powers are clear, associated with accountability, eliminating the "ask - give" mechanism, eliminating local interests and group privileges.

Resolution 66 is a call for profound institutional reform, aiming to build a modern, substantive legal system that serves the people, while creating sustainable momentum for the cause of building a prosperous, democratic, equitable and civilized Vietnam in the 21st century.

Fourth: International integration in the new situation.

Resolution 59 of the Politburo was issued in the context of rapid and complex international changes, increasing strategic competition among major countries, clear multipolar and multi-center trends, along with global challenges such as climate change, epidemics, and non-traditional security. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation, and green economy are also profoundly changing the global development model.

The birth of Resolution 59 is a breakthrough decision, marking a historic turning point in the country's international integration process, identifying integration as a strategic driving force for Vietnam to firmly enter a new era. The Resolution demonstrates a profound vision: International integration is not only about opening up and exchanging, but is a comprehensive cause, requiring proactiveness, positivity and great courage.

The consistent viewpoint of the Resolution is: International integration is the cause of the entire nation, under the absolute, direct and comprehensive leadership of the Party, the unified management of the State, with people and enterprises as the center and creative subjects.

We must deeply realize that integration is not only the task of foreign affairs agencies, not only the state's foreign affairs activities, but also a comprehensive process, requiring the proactive, positive, and creative participation of the entire political system, of each citizen, each enterprise, each profession, and each field.

Internal strength, including the strength of the economy, culture, institutions, and human resources, must be placed in a decisive position; external strength is only a supplementary source, supporting the development process, ensuring comprehensive and deep integration while still maintaining independence and autonomy, enhancing self-reliance and adaptability to all global fluctuations.

The Resolution sets out comprehensive and profound strategic orientations such as: Regarding the economy: Promoting integration associated with building an independent, self-reliant, modern economy; developing digital economy, green economy, circular economy; enhancing competitiveness based on science, technology and innovation. Regarding politics, defense and security: Integration goes hand in hand with strengthening strategic partnerships, comprehensive partnerships, enhancing political trust, maintaining independence, sovereignty and a peaceful and stable environment for the country. Regarding science and technology, education, health care and environment: Taking advantage of integration to improve national level, develop high-quality human resources and deeply integrate into the global value chain.

A particularly important and fundamental content in the Resolution is to build a strong team of internationally integrated cadres. We must focus on training and fostering cadres with strong political will, extensive expertise, the ability to adapt flexibly to the global environment and inter-sectoral coordination skills, to meet the increasingly deep and complex integration requirements.

International integration in the new situation requires us to be more proactive, more determined, more creative, on the basis of steadfast independence and self-reliance, while being flexible and sensitive in foreign affairs strategy and tactics, making the most of opportunities, overcoming challenges to develop the country quickly and sustainably.

Resolution 59 can be seen as a guideline for action for our entire Party, army and people in the international integration process in the new era.

Each Party committee, Party organization, cadre and Party member must thoroughly grasp the spirit of the Resolution, concretize it into practical action programs and plans; at the same time, promote a high sense of responsibility, innovate thinking, make breakthroughs in action, and be determined to make international integration a strong driving force for Vietnam to rise higher and further in the international arena.

Dear comrades,

The four major resolutions of the Politburo have together created a unified whole of strategic thinking and action for the country's development in the new era. Although each resolution focuses on a key area, they are closely linked, complementing and promoting each other in the process of understanding and organizing implementation.

All four resolutions agree on the goal: Building a solid foundation for Vietnam to develop rapidly and sustainably and become a developed, high-income country by 2045. Resolution 66 requires the completion of transparent and modern legal institutions, ensuring human rights and civil rights. Resolution 57 identifies science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as new growth pillars. Resolution 59 expands development space through proactive and active international integration. Resolution 68 promotes the private economic sector to become the central driving force for the economy.

This connection is not only a general orientation but also clearly demonstrates interdependence in practice. If the institution is not transparent (Resolution 66), it will be difficult for the private economy to develop (Resolution 68), science and technology will lack a creative environment (Resolution 57) and international integration will be ineffective. How do private enterprises evaluate and participate in FTAs, investment protection agreements, etc. (Resolution 59). On the contrary, if innovation is not breakthrough, the private economy will be weak and international integration will be limited. If integration is not proactive, it will be difficult for the institution itself and domestic drivers to comprehensively reform.

The common breakthrough of all four resolutions is the new development mindset: from “management” to “service”, from “protection” to “creative competition”, from “passive integration” to “active integration”, from “distributed reform” to “comprehensive, synchronous and profound breakthrough”. This is a fundamental shift in thinking, inheriting the achievements of innovation over the past 40 years and in line with global trends in the digital age.

Regarding implementation, all resolutions emphasize the unified leadership role of the Party, the synchronous and creative participation of the entire political system, and the substantial participation of businesses, people and intellectuals. Implementation axes such as law enforcement, digital transformation, innovation, private sector development and international integration require close coordination, regular inspection, supervision and effective evaluation.

Four key tasks in the next 5 years (2025–2030)

1) Perfecting a modern, synchronous legal system to promote development: In the next 5 years, comprehensively implement Resolution 66, strongly reform the process of building, implementing and evaluating laws. Objective: Build a unified, transparent, stable, accessible legal system that meets the requirements of a modern and deeply integrated market economy. Overcome overlapping laws, while perfecting the institution to protect property rights, freedom of business, and the right to innovation, creating a favorable legal foundation for investment and development.

2) Breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation: In the 2025-2030 period, we must create strong breakthroughs through the drastic implementation of national programs on innovation and digital transformation, spreading to businesses and localities. Forming a national innovation ecosystem; supporting businesses in R&D investment, technology commercialization; building data infrastructure and digital platforms for digital government, digital economy, and digital society. This is the technical foundation that determines breakthroughs in labor productivity and national competitiveness.

3) Accelerate comprehensive, proactive and effective international integration: Proactively negotiate and effectively implement new-generation FTAs, take advantage of opportunities from global supply chains and international investment flows. Transform integration commitments into real growth, expand markets, and attract high-quality investment. At the same time, participate in building and shaping international rules of the game in the fields of economics, technology, environment, and cybersecurity, thereby affirming the position and protecting national interests.

4) Developing the private economic sector in a substantial way, becoming “the most important driving force” of the national economy: Focus on removing bottlenecks in land, credit, technology, and markets; supporting small and medium enterprises, innovative startups; forming a flexible and dynamic business ecosystem. Building a strategy to develop large private corporations with regional and international competitiveness, leading the global value chain. Focus: protecting property rights, freedom of business, improving the transparent and public business environment, creating motivation to promote the private sector to develop rapidly and sustainably.

Urgent tasks in 2025

Dear comrades,

2025 is a pivotal year opening a new era, while the goal of becoming a developed country is only two decades away. If we do not catch up with the pace of reform and make breakthroughs right now, we will miss the golden opportunity and fall behind in the global race. Therefore, we need to implement tasks quickly, systematically, and substantially, using actual effectiveness as the evaluation criteria. In that spirit, I propose that the entire political system urgently carry out the following 8 key tasks:

Firstly, quickly complete and issue national action programs and plans to implement the four resolutions, ensuring close cohesion, clearly defining goals, tasks, roadmaps and specific assignments. At the same time, establish a set of indicators for periodic monitoring and evaluation.

Second, urgently review the entire legal system, implement amendments, supplements, replacements or abolish inappropriate regulations in accordance with the spirit of Resolution 66-NQ/TW. Prioritize amending regulations related to property ownership, freedom of business, innovation and international integration; study and promulgate the Law on Private Economic Development.

Third, immediately launch key programs on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation; approve and implement national programs; form new innovation centers; and build a legal framework for the sandbox model.

Fourth, focus on negotiating and effectively implementing new-generation FTAs, especially CPTPP, EVFTA, RCEP, UKVFTA and especially effectively negotiating the FTA with the United States; proactively prepare to participate in new agreements such as the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA), the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF); take advantage of integration commitments to transform into actual growth.

Fifth, make a breakthrough in improving the business investment environment: cut at least 30% of administrative procedures, digitize public services, support capital, technology, and digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises; build a project to develop large private corporations.

Sixth, perfect the leadership, direction and coordination apparatus to implement resolutions; establish specialized steering committees at central and provincial levels; ensure a unified steering mechanism, regular inspection and supervision.

Seventh, prioritize training and fostering human resources to implement the resolution: in-depth training in modern law, science and technology, international integration and corporate governance; foster a team of young cadres with innovative thinking, digital capacity and global adaptability.

Eighth, promote communication and create social consensus: develop national communication programs on each resolution; strengthen policy dialogue between the Government, businesses, people and intellectuals, and mobilize social intelligence for the implementation process.

Dear comrades,

More than ever, the Central Executive Committee is a united, united, determined and resolute bloc to lead the entire Party, people and army to achieve and exceed the targets set by the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, and to prepare well to bring the country into an era of development, prosperity and happiness. Since the 10th Central Conference of the 13th tenure (September 2024) up to now, the Politburo and the Secretariat have worked day and night to focus on solving many core issues, removing "bottlenecks", creating new development space for the country. Resolutely implementing the content of Resolution 18 of the Central Executive Committee on "a number of issues to continue to innovate and reorganize the apparatus of the political system to be streamlined and operate effectively and efficiently"; building a two-level local government; Reorganizing administrative units to "take off"... the above tasks are not only seriously implemented by cadres and party members, but more importantly, most people in the country follow, agree, support, and consider this to be a true revolution of the country in the new era.

To realize the aspiration to develop a prosperous and powerful country, the entire Party, the entire people and the entire army must continue to unite, join forces, promote to the highest extent the spirit of patriotism, the will to be self-reliant, and the strong aspiration to rise up of the Vietnamese people in the new era. Because "knowing how to unite, knowing how to unite / no matter how difficult, can be done".

The entire Party, the entire people and the entire army must clearly define their roles and responsibilities; be proactive, creative, united in patriotic emulation, determined to successfully carry out the tasks of socio-economic development, national defense, security and improving people's lives, making people's lives truly better and better. Every cadre, party member, and every Vietnamese citizen must become a pioneer soldier on the national development front.

Leaders at all levels, from the central to local levels, must be exemplary and pioneers in innovation in thinking and action; dare to think, dare to do, dare to break through, dare to take responsibility for the national interest, even dare to sacrifice personal interests for the common interest. Action programs must be implemented resolutely and systematically, taking actual effectiveness as a measure of capacity and work results. Continue to make recommendations and proposals to build new Resolutions according to the motto "All benefits are for the people. All powers belong to the people" as Uncle Ho taught.

People and businesses must be identified as the center and creative subjects in development. It is necessary to strongly foster the spirit of national entrepreneurship, arouse innovation resources in the whole society, develop the digital economy, knowledge economy, green economy, circular economy, and bring Vietnam to move forward quickly and strongly on the path of modernization and integration.

Dear comrades,

We have every reason to firmly believe in a bright future for our country. With the heroic tradition, intelligence, bravery and unceasing aspiration of the entire nation, Vietnam will continue to move forward steadily on the path of rapid and sustainable development.

Before the people of the whole country, we pledge to strongly implement the set goals, with the spirit of innovative thinking, decisive action, perseverance and creativity. Each Party Committee, government, organization and individual needs to clearly define their responsibilities, turning political commitments into concrete and practical results.

Let's light up the flame of Innovation - Aspiration - Action together, for a rich, prosperous, powerful Vietnam, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world powers by 2045.

Thank you very much, comrades!

TO LAM - General Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam

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Source: https://baodaknong.vn/phat-bieu-cua-tong-bi-thu-to-lam-tai-hoi-nghi-toan-quoc-quan-triet-trien-khai-thuc-hien-nghi-quyet-so-66-nq-tw-va-nghi-quyet-so-68-nq-tw-252918.html