General Secretary To Lam and new theoretical thinking on private economy

The article "New driving force for economic development" by General Secretary To Lam can be considered an important milestone in the theoretical thinking and practice of Vietnam's economic development in the new period.

Not only is it a concretization of Resolution 68-NQ/TW of the Politburo on private economic development, the article also goes beyond this resolution by connecting three dimensions of strategic thinking: applying the spirit of Marxism-Leninism to the theory of private economic development; deeply explaining why private development is the appropriate path to build socialism; and proposing a system of breakthrough institutional reform solutions based on the successful practices of China, Russia and Vietnam itself.

From that ideological foundation, the General Secretary opened up a profound direction for action: to develop sustainably, Vietnam must have a new mindset, and that mindset will be the new driving force for the country to rise up to become rich and prosperous.

Theoretical legitimacy for private economy

A valuable contribution of the article is the affirmation of the theoretical legitimacy of the private economy in the context of building socialism. The General Secretary cited Lenin's thoughts in the New Economic Policy (NEP), when the Russian revolutionary leader proactively restored market and private economic elements to restore the post-war economy. Lenin once clearly stated: "We do not deny state capitalism... but use it as a means to move to socialism."

The General Secretary applied that spirit in a smooth and modern way: private ownership, if properly guided by institutions and effectively controlled by power, will not hinder the process of socialism but, on the contrary, can accelerate that process through growth, innovation and improving people's lives.

This is a very important step forward in theoretical thinking. Together with Resolution 68, it helps to dispel decades-long prejudices about the opposition between socialism and the private economy, and at the same time creates a solid foundation for current development policies.

Effective means to realize the goal of socialism

The General Secretary's article not only clarifies the theoretical aspect, but also points out the organic relationship between private economic development and the realization of the core values ​​of socialism.

A society of "rich people, strong country, democracy, equality and civilization" cannot be created without growth momentum, jobs, resources for education, health care and social welfare. Meanwhile, the private economic sector is contributing over 51% of GDP, over 82% of jobs and is increasingly expanding internationally. The private sector - if it is promoted and protected - is the greatest practical resource to create a harmonious and equitable society in accordance with the spirit of Vietnamese socialism.

It is no coincidence that the General Secretary affirmed: "The Party and the State do not stand outside the economy, but must proactively design development space, create a fair ecosystem, and protect the fundamental values ​​of the market."

The growth of the domestic private sector is one of the most important achievements of the renovation process.

Reflecting on reality

The persuasiveness of the article is further strengthened when the General Secretary compares his thinking with typical practices.

China, with its “socialism with special characteristics” model, is the most convincing example. The country’s private sector accounts for more than 60% of GDP, 70% of innovation, 80% of urban employment, and 90% of new businesses. China’s miraculous development over the past four decades is inseparable from bold institutional reform and the opening up of the private sector.

The Russian Federation, having abandoned its rigid planning model, also had to reaffirm the role of private ownership as a condition for economic recovery and international integration. The General Secretary recalled this practice as a historical demonstration of the necessity of reform.

Vietnam, with its 40-year journey of Renovation, has also proven that: it is only when the thinking about the market and ownership is untied that the economy has vitality. The maturity of the domestic private sector is one of the most important achievements of the renovation process.

Many breakthrough solutions are added

Not only affirming new thinking, the article also proposes many stronger and more specific action solutions, even somewhat superior to the contents in Resolution 68-NQ/TW.

First of all, it is proposed to build the Law on Private Economic Development - a specialized law, institutionalizing the role, rights and obligations of this sector. Next is the establishment of the National Steering Committee on Private Economic Development headed by the Prime Minister - demonstrating the highest political determination and clear commitment to action.

The General Secretary also set a goal of forming a team of national entrepreneurs who are ambitious, cultured and responsible in serving the country. He did not only talk about growth, but also mentioned the civic qualities of entrepreneurs in a socialist-oriented market economy.

Along with that is a system of solutions for extensive institutional reform: from ensuring a fair competitive environment, protecting property rights, simplifying administrative procedures, to developing an innovation ecosystem, promoting digital transformation, overcoming market distortions and group interests.

Breakthrough in development thinking

The article by General Secretary To Lam is a document of special theoretical and practical significance. It not only strengthens the legitimacy of the private economy in Marxist-Leninist thought, but also provides reform orientations that have the power to shake the foundation. More importantly, it is a creative action mindset, where institutions, markets and people converge to create a new driving force for development.

“New motivation from new thinking” – that is the main message of the article. If seriously institutionalized and implemented, it will become a strong driving force, bringing Vietnam into an era of modern, sustainable and humane development.

According to Government Electronic Newspaper

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/tong-bi-thu-to-lam-va-tu-duy-ly-luan-moi-ve-kinh-te-tu-nhan-post401706.html