Brian Jeffrey
The essence of the year 2024 can be summarized with three key themes: Transformation, Stability, Growth. Despite the changes in prominent leadership roles within the Party and the State, along with the transition away from former Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong, the nation has remained united and steadfast in the face of numerous challenges, fostering an environment conducive to stability and development.
A significant aspect of this ongoing stability is the Party Chief’s resolute commitment and proactive guidelines that honor the foundational views and legacies of prior leaders.
Such initiatives have bolstered unity and inspired renewed momentum within the Party and the entire political ecosystem. This has notably boosted the confidence of officials, Party members, and the public, who are eager for new advancements and changes.
One of the most vital messages is the drive to usher in a new era for the nation, characterized by resurgence and national enrichment. This includes two fundamental tasks: achieving the goals set forth in the 13th Party Congress and successfully conducting Party congresses at every level, including the upcoming 14th Party Congress.
To achieve this, it is essential to tackle existing weaknesses and barriers to progress while prioritizing urgent and key tasks to optimize resources and unlock productive capabilities.
Initially, it is necessary to rethink the development of institutional frameworks, moving away from the outdated notion of banning what cannot be managed, and instead promoting autonomy for local authorities to make decisions and be accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, efforts must concentrate on organizational optimization to lay the groundwork for effective personnel restructuring, ensuring that the most talented and committed individuals fill key roles.
Additionally, it’s crucial to initiate a ‘digital learning movement’ aimed at accelerating comprehensive digital transformation, aspiring to turn Vietnam into a global digital technology hub contributing at least 50% to GDP.
Fourthly, we must intensify the fight against corruption and inefficiency. This process should be executed with rigorous and unwavering resolve, recognizing it as a critical priority while integrating anti-corruption measures with efforts to eliminate wastefulness.
Efforts to combat corruption and inefficiency must begin at the grassroots level and within Party cells, under community oversight, to effectively contribute to socio-economic development, safeguarding national and Party interests, and nurturing a spirit of innovation and courage for the common good.
With a political mechanism now operating with fresh energy and focus, prioritizing action over stagnation has yielded tangible results.
Currently, the entire political framework moves with renewed energy and initiative, embodying the spirit of “no retreat, only action,” which has led to transformative outcomes.
Vietnam has experienced an average GDP growth of 7%, ranking among a select few countries with such robust growth in the region. Economic and social performance indicators have met or surpassed targets, reflecting improvements in various international rankings, such as a 15-place rise in the e-Government Development Index and notable ascents in the Happiness and Sustainable Development indices.
Strategic initiatives, including the North-South high-speed railway and Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, have been initiated, establishing a solid foundation for future growth.
Organizations are swiftly reviewing and proposing more streamlined structures, and despite some hesitations, this process is progressing with strong resolve. Many officials have prioritized collective interests over personal gains.
Significant advancements have been made in tackling corruption and inefficiency, with the government promptly auditing major projects to identify areas of significant waste. In Hanoi, 800 such projects have been identified, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.
Legal actions have been initiated in various waste-related cases to raise general awareness, and disciplinary measures have been enacted against certain former high-ranking officials for violations during their tenures, particularly related to anti-corruption and wasteful practices.
The year 2025 will be pivotal as it sets the stage for the country to enter a new chapter. With new directives and strategies from General Secretary To Lam, coupled with renewed vigor and commitment from both the political system and societal members, Vietnam is poised to aim for an ambitious double-digit growth target in the upcoming period.
(The Central Internal Affairs Committee)
