Pham Thi Thanh Tra becomes Vietnam’s first female deputy prime minister
Vietnam's National Assembly confirmed Pham Thi Thanh Tra as the country’s first female deputy prime minister, highlighting her decades-long public service and contributions to administrative reform.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam has officially appointed Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra as Deputy Prime Minister, making her the country’s first woman to hold the position.
The appointment was approved by the 15th National Assembly at its 10th session on October 25. Of the 430 lawmakers casting votes, 429 supported the resolution, which endorsed the prime minister’s proposal to appoint Tra as deputy prime minister for the 2021–2026 term.
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra makes her remarks after being appointed. Photo: VGP
Born in 1964, the new deputy prime minister has nearly four decades of experience in public service. As Minister of Home Affairs, she made significant contributions to administrative reform, workforce development and the effective operation of the two-tier local government model.
Tra was one of two new deputy prime ministers approved by the National Assembly, alongside Ho Quoc Dung.
Speaking on behalf of the two newly appointed deputy prime ministers and ministers, Tra expressed gratitude to the Politburo, the Party Central Secretariat, the National Assembly, the Government and senior Party and State leaders for their trust and guidance.
She said that the new deputy PMs and ministers will work with dedication and the highest sense of responsibility, maintain integrity and revolutionary ethics, stay open-minded and innovative and improve performances, fulfilling their assignments.
Tân Phó thủ tướng Hồ Quốc Dũng. Photo: VGP
Prime Minister Chinh praised the new deputy PMs and ministers for their quality, political firmness, courage and willingness to take responsibility for the common good, as well as their dedication and consistent efforts across their careers.
He demanded that the new government and ministry leaders will do their best to assist the government as the government is facing exceptional challenges and increasing demands in nearly every area.
According to the prime minister, the global situation remains complex with many unprecedented challenges. The workload continues to rise each year, requiring the new leadership team to deliver timely, high-quality results and respond flexibly to emerging issues.
In the remaining months of the year, the government must focus on key priorities such as building a clean and strong Party, fostering capable and virtuous officials, fighting corruption and waste, and effectively translating the resolutions of the Party and National Assembly into concrete actions.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs a meeting to appoint new deputy prime ministers and ministers on October 25. Photo: VGP
Prime Minister Chinh reaffirmed the goal of building a “development-oriented, transparent, decisive and people-serving Government”, streamlining the administrative apparatus and developing a modern, efficient and intelligent public administration.
The Government will focus on promoting growth, maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation and ensuring major economic balances. It aims for GDP growth of 8.3–8.5% in 2025 and sustainable double-digit growth in subsequent years.
"The Vietnam's administration will strengthen strategic autonomy, restructure the economy and pursue green, digital, circular and sharing-based development models," said Chinh.
The Vietnamese government, led by Prime Minister Chinh, now includes nine deputy prime ministers: Nguyen Hoa Binh (Permanent Deputy Prime Minister), Tran Hong Ha, Le Thanh Long, Ho Duc Phoc, Bui Thanh Son, Nguyen Chi Dung, Mai Van Chinh, Ho Quoc Dung and Pham Thi Thanh Tra.
