Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress begins today

THE HANOI TIMES — The 14th National Party Congress opened today [January 20] at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, with 1,586 delegates representing more than 5.6 million Party members nationwide.

In line with established practice, the opening ceremony began with the flag-raising ritual, the announcement of the agenda and the introduction of delegates, with the Presidium delivered the opening address, presented key reports and heard policy statements from selected delegates.

Four major documents are being submitted to the Congress: the Political Report; the Report on Theoretical and Practical Issues After 40 Years of Doi Moi (Renewal); the Report on 15 Years of Implementing the Party Charter and the Review Report on the Leadership and Direction of the 13th Central Committee.

The 14th National Congress is scheduled to run from January 19 to 25. During the working sessions, delegates will discuss and decide on major issues concerning national development, Party building and the political system and will elect the new Party Central Committee.

Yesterday morning, the Congress held its preparatory session at the National Convention Center in Hanoi. Before the meeting, delegates visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and laid wreaths and offered incense at the Monument to Fallen Heroes.

The Congress observed a minute of silence in memory of former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and members of the 13th Central Committee who passed away during the previous term.

The Congress voted with strong consensus to adopt the agenda for the preparatory session, the working regulations, the overall program and the election regulations of the Congress. Delegates also elected a Presidium of 16 Politburo members, a Secretariat of five members and a Credentials Committee of 13 members.

The Congress then unanimously approved the report on delegate credentials presented by the Credentials Committee. All 1,586 delegates convened for the Congress were confirmed to be fully qualified.