Party Congress sets course for Viet Nam’s development in new era

Prior to the opening ceremony, the Organizing Committee presented the results of the preparatory session and announced the membership of the Congress Presidium.

Under the motto "Solidarity - Democracy - Discipline - Breakthrough - Development," the 14th National Congress is being held with high solemnity. A total of 1,586 delegates, representing more than 5.6 million members of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, are in attendance. Delegates arrived at the National Convention Center on Tuesday morning to begin the proceedings.

According to the Organizing Committee, the 14th National Congress convenes at a pivotal moment for the nation's future. Following eight decades of independence and four decades of persistent Doi Moi (Renovation) efforts, Viet Nam has navigated a challenging yet proud journey, a historic path marked by the will, mettle, and intelligence of the Vietnamese people under the Party's leadership.

The theme of the 14th National Congress is: "Under the glorious flag of the Party, joining hands and uniting wills to successfully realise the country’s development goals to 2030; ensuring strategic autonomy, fostering self-reliance and confidence, advancing firmly in the era of national rise for peace, independence, democracy, prosperity, civilisation and happiness, and steadfastly progressing towards socialism."

This message inherits and creatively develops themes from previous congresses while reflecting a new evolution in the Party’s strategic thinking amidst current domestic and global shifts. The Congress is expected to discuss and approve several key documents, including the Political Report of the 13th Party Central Committee, a summary report on theoretical and practical issues regarding 40 years of socialist-oriented Renovation in Viet Nam, a report reviewing 15 years of implementing the Party Charter (2011-2025) with proposed amendments, and a performance review of the 13th Party Central Committee’s leadership.

The formal opening follows a preparatory session held on January 19. Before that session, delegates paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. Members of the Politburo and the Secretariat, along with heads of delegations, also laid wreaths and offered incense at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs. The entire Congress observed a minute of silence in memory of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and members of the 13th Party Central Committee who passed away during the previous term.

Mr. Tran Thanh Man, Member of the Politburo and Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, presided over the preparatory session on behalf of the Party and State leadership. During this session, delegates reached a high consensus in approving the working agenda, internal regulations, and election rules for the 14th National Congress.

The Congress elected a 16-member Presidium composed of Politburo members, with General Secretary To Lam serving as Chairman. Additionally, a five-member Secretariat and a 13-member Delegate Credentials Review Committee were appointed. The Congress also unanimously approved the report from the Review Committee, confirming that all 1,586 summoned delegates are fully qualified to participate in the proceedings.