Vietnam has no alternative but success: Party chief
The objective of a prosperous people, a strong country, democracy, equity and civilization is not only an aspiration but also a solemn commitment before the people.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam must achieve its goal of building a developed, high-income country on par with leading nations worldwide by 2045, said General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam stressed this view in his article “Advance Forward, Victory Will Surely Be Ours,” released on January 25.
The 14th Party Central Committee unanimously elects General Secretary To Lam as the Party chief for the new term. Photos: VNA
Under the article, the Party chief stressed that the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress sets out a general objective for the 2026–2030 period and a vision to 2045 that is “clear, bold and feasible.”
He said that the goals include maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, developing the country rapidly and sustainably, improving living standards and strengthening national self-reliance to advance firmly into a new era.
More importantly, the Congress documents translate this vision into a concrete spirit of action, Lam said.
The action program attached to the Resolution places special emphasis on the requirement to “choose correctly, implement quickly, carry through to the end and measure by results.”
Each major decision of the Congress is accompanied by a specific implementation plan that defines objectives, solutions and evaluation criteria, he added.
The general secretary said the principle that “the people are the foundation” runs consistently throughout the Resolution. The people are placed at the center and regarded as the driving force of development.
“All policies are directed toward improving material and spiritual living standards while emphasizing respect for the people, listening to their views and promoting their role as the masters of the country,” Lam stated.
As a result, the Resolution does not stop at vision and orientation. It “carries the pulse of real life,” ignites the aspiration for development and generates strong momentum for action, ready to enter practice immediately after the Congress.
Looking to the years ahead, Lam noted that the next five to ten years will be a pivotal period with decisive significance for the country’s two centennial strategic goals. During this relatively short time, Vietnam must complete the targets of the 2026–2030 five-year plan and, at the same time, lay a solid foundation for higher development milestones by 2045.
The goal by 2030 is to turn Vietnam into a country with a modern industry and upper-middle-income status. This requires the economy to maintain an average growth rate of 10% year or higher for many consecutive years. It is “an unprecedented pace” but one that is fully attainable if all resources are mobilized effectively.
By 2045, Vietnam will become a developed, high-income country on par with leading nations worldwide.
For the coming time, the general secretary said: “There is no alternative but success.”
Accordingly, the 14th Congress has sparked confidence in victory while placing on the Party and the people a heavy but honorable responsibility, with no hesitation or failure permitted despite the challenges ahead.
“Alongside the Party are the trust and expectations of more than 100 million citizens, with the nation’s 21st-century destiny before them.”
For this reason, he called on every cadre and Party member, especially those in leading positions, to “constantly urge themselves to rise higher and overcome their own limits.” There must be no delay in reform, no hesitation in action and no complacency with past achievements.
General Secretary To Lam speaks at the 14th National Party Congress.
Drawing on experience, he wrote that strong political determination and unified leadership drive progress, while looseness, subjectivity or weak resolve can undermine even sound policies.
Looking back at history, the general secretary stressed that the Vietnamese nation has never bowed to enemies or hardship. From the earliest stages of nation-building and defense, generations forged a tradition of resilience and unity. “The harsher the trials, the stronger the solidarity and the greater the will to prevail.”
That spirit delivered world-recognized victories in the 20th century under the Party’s leadership and must now be carried forward on the socio-economic front, with determination to advance continuously and never retreat.
Meanwhile, the Party and the people are determined to succeed in building and defending the socialist homeland, warning that every delay and missed target affects the nation’s future. “Success, certain success” is the political resolve guiding the implementation of the 14th Congress Resolution.
Delegates at the 14th National Party Congress.
Seizing opportunities
Turning to the global context, the general secretary said the world is entering a period in which opportunities and challenges are more closely intertwined than ever. The country’s destiny depends on its ability to seize opportunities and overcome challenges.
Deep international integration brings intense competitive pressure, but it also opens access to advanced knowledge, technology and development resources from abroad. Economic globalization creates large markets for Vietnamese goods and services, but it also requires constant improvement of internal capacity to move up the global value chain.
However, he warned that geopolitical shifts may affect the peaceful and stable environment that is essential for development. Safeguarding independence, sovereignty and peace, therefore, becomes even more critical, he noted.
“The new context demands new thinking and a new vision. Strategic proactiveness is essential. Leaders must remain alert in analysis, flexible and creative in response, and firm in principles without rigidity or dogmatism,” he said.
With the courage and intellect of the Vietnamese nation and the unity and trust of the people, favorable conditions will outweigh challenges. The country’s strength after more than half a century of reunification is greater than ever, creating a solid foundation for confident advancement.
Vietnam’s growing prestige and position on the international stage provide favorable conditions to mobilize international cooperation and support.
“The key lies in maximizing internal strength, mobilizing external resources and turning this combined power into a driving force for development,” Lam said.
Proactive adaptation and innovation are the keys for Vietnam to overcome turbulence and move forward steadily in a volatile era.
Lam recalled the words of President Ho Chi Minh: “Advance forward. Victory will surely be ours.”
Nearly six million Party members and more than 100 million citizens carry within them the aspiration for a strong and prosperous Vietnam. The 14th Congress has entrusted them with the banner of victory. Now is the time for the entire Party, the people and the armed forces to unite, work harder and turn every policy and resolution into concrete action and results.
“The future of the nation calls for more decisive action,” he wrote. With new knowledge, the support of science and technology and steadfast will, every citizen can contribute to national development.
