The 13th Plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee opened in Hanoi on October 6. (Photo: Doan Tan/VNA)

The 3-day Plenum is taking place shortly after Vietnam celebrated the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).

Over the past nine months, most socio-economic indicators have improved compared to the same period last year and the two-tier local government model has been functioning smoothly. The seven strategic resolutions issued by the Politburo over the past year have paved the way for realizing national development goals.

Personnel work is of special importance
General Secretary To Lam said that all Party organizations and committees nationwide had, by August 20, 2025, completed the process of nominating candidates for the 14th Party Central Committee and submitted their results to the Personnel Subcommittee.

Based on these recommendations and appraisal and verification results by relevant authorities, the Politburo discussed and approved the list and proceeded with the nomination process in accordance with regulations. The Politburo also conducted a vote to nominate members for the 14th Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission. At the plenum, the Politburo presented these personnel plans to the Party Central Committee.

General Secretary To Lam delivers the opening speech of the 13th Plenum of 13th Party Central Committee. (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)

Party leader To Lam said: "This task is of utmost importance, determining the success of the 14th National Party Congress and the nation’s future development. The nomination process must be based on established standards and qualifications as outlined in the Party’s personnel orientation for the 14th Congress and related regulations. The interests of the Party, the nation, and the people must come first. The core criteria in personnel selection are competence, reputation, integrity, effectiveness, and the courage to think, act, and take responsibility for the national interest, and to stay close to the people, respect them, and serve them. In the current stage of the revolution, particular emphasis should be placed on “Virtue – Strength – Talent.”

General Secretary Lam said documents for the 14th Party Congress have been drafted meticulously, with constant updates and revisions. The documents review the achievements of the past five years, set goals for the next five, and shape a strategic vision and development orientation for Vietnam through the mid-21st century.

The Document Subcommittee has incorporated key contents of the seven new Politburo resolutions into the draft Political Report.

Party leader To Lam invited feedback on key areas, stressing the importance of continuing to reform the Party’s leadership methods; enhancing the Party’s governing capacity and strength; streamlining the state apparatus and improving the effectiveness of the two-tier local government model; and promoting decentralization and delegation of authority.

Other areas include establishing a new growth model driven by science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and making it the central focus of national development; clarifying the leading role of the state-owned sector; and recognizing the private sector as one of the most important driving forces of the economy.

General Secretary Lam said Vietnam’s socio-economic picture in 2025 is “dominated by bright tones,” with GDP growth projected to reach 8.1–8.5%.

He said 2026 will be the first year of a new term, a crucial period for implementing the resolutions of the 14th National Party Congress. The ambitious targets include economic growth over 10%, per capita GDP of 5,400–5,500 USD, and CPI growth of about 4.5%.

He said: “This is a mandatory requirement and a great challenge. The Party Central Committee needs to provide strategic guidance to help the National Assembly’s Party Committee and the Government’s Party Committee finalize the socio-economic development plan and state budget projections for 2026 and beyond. The overarching goal should be to enhance strategic autonomy, self-reliance, and resilience under the motto: ‘Stability – Discipline – Acceleration – Breakthrough – Sustainability."

The Party leader proposed key topics for discussion, focusing on maintaining macroeconomic stability; managing fiscal and monetary policy flexibly and harmoniously; strengthening market confidence; and promoting the three growth drivers of investment, consumption, and exports. Other topics encompass expanding regional linkages and high-quality urbanization; accelerating digital and green transformation; and turning data into a valuable resource, the digital economy into a growth engine, and renewable energy and the circular economy into sustainable pillars.

General Secretary To Lam said the people have renewed confidence and expectations and the Party Central Committee’s responsibility is to justify that trust by achievements.