Hanoi (VNA) - ༒Party General Secretary To Lam on January 8 urged the unity of perception and action to advance economic reform, along with more drastic and comprehensive measures in economic management to ensure that the country firmly enters into a new era of prosperity and development.

Addressing a conference in Hanoi to review the operations of the Government and local administrations in 2024 and sketch out tasks for 2025, the Party leader emphasised the need to prioritise streamlining the political system, noting that this does not simply mean downsizing but also demands extensive reforms in state governance, increased transparency, and enhanced decentralisation.

Promoting results-based management approach

It is necessary to get rid of the rigid prohibit what cannot be controlled mindset and to promote a results-based management approach, he said, stressing the importance of innovating budget allocation, thus creating new opportunities and momentum for development, the leader continued. He called for bold reforms in the financial, banking, and monetary systems, and the perfection of the legal framework to ensure transparency, coherence, and fairness. The Party chief also urged swift actions to address overlapping and inadequacies in the current system, towards establishing a stable and easily enforceable legal foundation. Attention must be paid to spurring economic growth, maintaining macroeconomic stability, and controlling inflation, he said, adding that these are key objectives for building a robust and stable economy, adhering to the principle of development for stability and vice versa To achieve an economic growth rate of 8% in 2025 and reach the target of double-digit growth in the 2026–2030 period, he requested the implementation of comprehensive and effective measures, focusing on institutional breakthroughs in accordance with market principles in mobilising and allocating resources, and eliminating the ask-give mechanism and subsidised mindset. The Party chief underscored the importance of harnessing the strength of the people and all economic sectors by building an efficient and dynamic administration, and fostering a safe, transparent, and low-cost business and investment environment that meets international standards to promote entrepreneurship and aspirations for wealth creation. He stated that the State must protect legal property rights and the freedom to conduct business. He asked for greater efforts to accelerate national digital transformation, and intensify connection between authorities, businesses, and citizens, stating that priority should be given to addressing wasted resources, such as stalled planning schemes, unused public land, disputed assets, and long-pending cases.

Vietnam has enough strength, will and determination to enter era of development and prosperity

The General Secretary emphasised the need to prioritise investment in completing national strategic and key infrastructure systems. Focus should be placed on road and high-speed rail projects, seaports, airports, energy infrastructure, and initiatives to adapt to climate change. He also underscored the importance of refining mechanisms and policies for the development of power and renewable energy, particularly hydrogen and nuclear power.

Advancing national digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and establishing a National Data Centre were highlighted as critical priorities. These efforts aim to build a robust foundation for the digital economy and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. The General Secretary stressed the need to support businesses in adopting new technologies while creating opportunities in areas like financial technology, e-commerce, digital education, and digital healthcare.

He also called for accelerating the commercialisation of 5G technology, advancing research on 6G, developing telecommunications satellites, and upgrading national telecommunications infrastructure. Furthermore, attention should be given to researching and implementing programmes to effectively utilise outer space, maritime zones, and underground spaces. These initiatives will open new economic opportunities, enhance scientific and technological research capabilities, and safeguard national resources and sovereignty.

The General Secretary urged effective and substantive economic restructuring associated with innovation in growth models to boost national competitiveness.

He underlined the need to focus on developing culture and society, and building Vietnamese people with sufficient qualities and capacities to meet requirements of sustainable development, while ensuring social security, building a healthy living environment, mitigating effects of natural disasters, and adapting to climate change. He emphasised the importance of nurturing children’s independent and self-reliant thinking from an early age, fostering their sense of national pride, ambition, and a strong will to succeed.

Investments in cultural development should be harmonised with economic and social growth to cultivate a civilised, united, and progressive society. Mechanisms to encourage the growth of cultural industries should be introduced to produce valuable cultural products that reflect national identity and potential. The National Target Programme on Cultural Development for the 2025–2035 period must be implemented effectively to enhance the spiritual life, preserve traditional cultural values, and promote international integration.

The General Secretary also called for organising events to celebrate major national milestones in 2025, aiming to improve public awareness of Vietnam’s historical, cultural, and traditional values. He highlighted the necessity to build a comprehensive, modern, and sustainable social policy system, ensure social welfare, reduce poverty, and support disadvantaged groups. Policies on ethnic and religious affairs should focus on fairness and effectiveness to foster a safe and friendly living environment. Priorities should include promoting gender equality, advancing women’s progress, preventing domestic violence, and encouraging sports as essential elements of an improved quality of life.

The Party chief stressed the importance of maintaining political security, social order, and public safety, as well as enhancing foreign affairs and international integration. He called for decisive measures to innovate the Party’s leadership methods, thereby improving the effectiveness of Party-building and rectification work.

Recalling recent years, he commended the unity and determination of the entire Party, army, and people in overcoming challenges and achieving significant accomplishments. These efforts, he said, underscored the resilience, resolve, and solidarity of the nation.

Looking ahead, the General Secretary expressed his confidence that Vietnam now possesses the strength, determination, and resources needed to enter an era of prosperity and national development.

༺ He called on the Government, ministries, agencies, and local administrations to work in unison with the Party, people, and army to achieve the goals set for 2025 and beyond with the unwavering determination and the highest sense of responsibility./.