From the aspiration for development to the vision of shaping the future

The 14th National Party Congress is a major political event, marking a turning point in the country’s development. The release of draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress to seek broad public feedback deeply demonstrates the spirit of democracy, openness, and transparency – a distinctive feature of Vietnam’s political culture in the Doi Moi (Renewal) period. This is not only an opportunity for all citizens to contribute their intelligence and sense of responsibility to the Party, but also a chance for every Vietnamese person to express their aspirations for the nation’s future – an aspiration of a strong, prosperous, democratic, and humane Vietnam.

From the perspective of a Party member, an educator, and also a person who regularly studies politics and society, contributing feedback to the Draft Documents of the 14th National Party Congress is not only a political duty but also a civic responsibility. This is because every provision in the documents not only shapes the country’s development strategy but also directly affects the lives, beliefs, and future of millions of citizens.

FROM 40 YEARS OF RENEWAL ACHIEVEMENTS TO THE BREAKTHROUGH TRANSITION OF 14TH NATIONAL PARTY CONGRESS

The Draft Documents of the 14th National Party Congress affirm that: After 40 years of renewal, the country’s achievements, potential, international position, and prestige have reached a new height. This is the result of a creative and courageous leadership, as well as the unity of the entire Party, people, and army; it is also the result of a strategic vision steadfastly committed to the goals of national independence and socialism.

Dong Nai strives to achieve double-digit growth goal and a state budget of 100 trillion VND in 2025. In photo: A corner of Dong Nai’s urban center today. Photo: Pham Tung

Regarding economy, Vietnam has maintained a relatively strong growth rate, with an average of approximately 6.3% per year during the 2021–2025 period; GDP in 2025 is estimated to exceed USD 510 billion, with per capita GDP around USD 5,000 – a significant advance that places Vietnam among upper-middle-income countries. Three strategic breakthroughs (in terms of institutions, human resources, and infrastructure) have been implemented decisively and comprehensively. In particular, the revolution on streamlining organizational apparatus of the political system has been carried out vigorously, demonstrating strong political determination and opening a new phase of national administration. Social welfare policies are ensured, leaving “no one behind.” Education and healthcare have made progress, and social equity has been maintained.

Regarding national defense – security – foreign affairs, Vietnam has maintained a peaceful and stable environment, while its foreign relations have expanded and been elevated. The country’s prestige and international position have been increasingly affirmed. In particular, the Party building and rectification, along with the fight against corruption and negativity, has made a strong mark, fostering public trust and social consensus.

These achievements are testaments to the Party’s leadership ability, strategic vision, and creativity in a volatile international context. The current draft documents inherit and develop new thinking, clearly reflecting the spirit of “Solidarity – Democracy – Discipline – Breakthrough – Development,” while also defining a clear vision toward 2030 and 2045, aligned with the nation’s rising aspiration.

MAKING DOCUMENTS CLOSE TO REALITY TO DRIVE DEVELOPMENT

The 14th National Party Congress documents clearly emphasize the requirement to “establish a new growth model, with science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation as the primary drivers, and private sector development as the most important driver.” This is a significant step forward, yet it is necessary to further specify policy mechanisms to ensure effective implementation, particularly regarding: policies encouraging enterprises to invest in innovation, the green economy, and the circular economy; “policy sandbox” model for emerging technology sectors (artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, digital finance, etc.); and ecosystems supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, high-tech agriculture, and sustainable rural economies. Only when these concepts are institutionalized through concrete actions can the new growth model truly become an endogenous driver of Vietnam’s economy.

The draft documents affirm that “developing culture and human is the foundation,” yet it is necessary to place even greater emphasis on the role of tertiary education, scientific research, and innovation – the three pillars for Vietnam to make a breakthrough in the knowledge era. A clear national talent development strategy must be defined, including: establishing mechanisms to properly employ and reward intellectuals, scientists, and experts; encouraging overseas Vietnamese students and overseas Vietnamese to contribute to the country; promoting university autonomy and collaboration among institutes – schools – enterprises to transform knowledge into productive power. Education should not only cultivate human resources but also nurture qualities, capabilities, and the aspiration to contribute – the foundation to shape “Vietnamese people in the new era.”

One of the notable points of the documents is the affirmation that “developing the private sector is the most important driver of the economy.” To make this a reality, it is necessary to continue fine-tuning the socialist-oriented market economy institution, removing administrative barriers and the “ask-give” mechanism, while protecting the legal property and business rights of citizens and enterprises.

Institutional reform is not merely about amending laws but involves renewing leadership and management thinking. A dynamic and transparent institution will unlock all resources, creating conditions for society’s creativity to be fully unleashed.

Alongside outstanding achievements, the documents also frankly point out some shortcomings in personnel work, ideological work, and ethics and lifestyle. To ensure that the Communist Party of Vietnam truly embodies “morality and civilization,” greater attention must be paid to building Party culture, treating culture within the Party as the root of revolutionary ethics. This is a culture of responsibility, exemplary conduct, and integrity, as well as of regular self-reflection and self-correction by each cadre and Party member. Every cadre, especially the heads, must serve as a model of the spirit of serving the people—being dedicated, upright, impartial, and dare to think, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility for the common good.

The 14th Congress needs to more strongly demonstrate the spirit of comprehensive digital transformation, not only in the economy but also in management and governance. Building a digital government and digital citizens will not only make the apparatus streamlined and efficient but also enhance openness, transparency, and public trust. In addition, a modern model of social supervision and criticism should be specified, allowing citizens to participate more deeply in the policy-making process. Socialist democracy should be manifested through substantive institutions, enabling “the people to know, discuss, act, inspect, supervise and benefit from”.

CREATING VIETNAM’S ASPIRATION IN THE NEW ERA

The draft documents of the 14th National Party Congress are both a profound summary of 40 years of renovation and a strategic blueprint for the country’s new development phase. With the mindset of “strategic autonomy – national self-reliance – confidence in integration,” the documents clearly reflect the courage, wisdom, and vision of the Communist Party of Vietnam in the era of globalization. However, as the late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized: “Nothing is ever enough; there is still much to be done, and it must be done better and more effectively.” Therefore, every opinion contributing to the draft documents today is not only a content-based contribution but also an expression of sense of responsibility, of trust in the Party, in the regime, and in the nation’s future.

When every citizen sees themselves reflected in the Party’s vision, and every intellect is respected and heard, that forms the most solid foundation for building a Vietnam into a prosperous, powerful, democratic, civilised, just and civilized nation as set out in the draft documents of the 14th Congress. It is also the most practical way for all of us to safeguard our trust, nurture our aspirations, and create Vietnam’s future in the era of the nation's rise.

By Tu Huu Cong – Translated by Thu Hien, Thu Ha