If looking directly at the truth prevents the government from resting on its laurels, then overcoming ourselves compels the system to break free from the safety of old thinking and outdated methods.

Truth as the foundation of reform

“I deeply value the spirit of openness and frankness in ‘facing the truth, assessing the truth, and speaking the truth’…” said General Secretary To Lam at the opening session of the Party Congress of the Government on the morning of October 13.

Earlier, during group discussions on the afternoon of October 12, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was quoted by the Government Portal as recalling the historic slogan from the 6th National Congress: “Renew or perish,” and adding, “This means we must overcome ourselves, go beyond our limits, if we are to innovate and grow.”

The two statements, from Vietnam’s top leaders, convey a shared spirit: that truth is the basis of reform, and innovation is the only path to survival and progress.

Facing the truth helps the government stay grounded and realistic. Overcoming internal limitations forces the machinery of state to abandon complacency and outdated approaches.

Unlike previous, more favorable periods, the government’s 2021–2025 term began amid unprecedented global upheaval: COVID-19, trade wars, energy crises, climate change, and AI-driven technological shifts – all as Vietnam undertook sweeping domestic reforms.

In such a world, Vietnam no longer has the luxury of delaying reform or running on the inertia of “safety”.

2020–2025: Real courage, real limitations

The 2020–2025 government term has been exceptional, defined by more challenges than opportunities.

Amid global shocks and disrupted supply chains, Vietnam managed to maintain macroeconomic stability, with an average annual growth of 6.3%. The economy expanded from $346 billion to approximately $510 billion, public debt fell from 44.3% to 35% of GDP, and tax revenues far exceeded projections.

More than 68 million workers and 1.4 million businesses received support. Over 3,200 kilometers of expressways and 1,700 kilometers of coastal roads were completed.

General Secretary To Lam called this “a term of courage and creativity”, praising the government’s ability to control the pandemic, sustain growth, and revive thousands of stalled projects.

Yet, he candidly acknowledged persistent issues: low labor productivity, complex legal frameworks, ineffective decentralization, weak administrative discipline, and a prevailing culture of fear - of making mistakes, of responsibility, of accountability.

The accomplishments are real, but so are the limitations. To go further, courage is not enough. Institutional capacity and a culture of responsibility must follow.

Government Party Committee: Aligning leadership and execution

For the first time in history, the government has a dedicated Party Committee, replacing the previous “Party Personnel Committee” model.

This marks a shift in leadership style - from administrative coordination to unified, binding political direction.

The new Government Party Committee sets a higher standard: aligning ideology, structure, and action. When the Prime Minister also serves as the Party Secretary, political discipline and administrative discipline can no longer be separated.

This shift institutionalizes the personal accountability that the General Secretary demands: “The Government Party Committee must be a model of courage, intellect, ethics, and effective governance.”

Streamlined structure – faster action, protection for bold decision-makers

This term has seen a large-scale administrative restructuring: five ministries and three ministerial-level agencies were eliminated; 30 general departments dissolved; more than 145,000 civil servant positions reduced. This has saved roughly 39 trillion VND (about $1.55 billion) annually for social welfare.

But as General Secretary To Lam stressed, streamlining is not enough if administrative discipline is lacking.

The next step is full implementation - beyond ticking the box of responsibility. Mechanisms must be in place to protect those who act for the public good, while removing safe zones for those who avoid responsibility. A truly action-oriented government must be built on the principle: with power comes accountability; with inaction comes consequences.

True reform is impossible if fear continues to find shelter within the system.

Three strategic breakthroughs

The General Secretary reaffirmed three strategic pillars: institutions, infrastructure, and human capital - with a new emphasis: “Institutions must become a national competitive advantage.”

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh followed up: “We must innovate more boldly, especially in mobilizing development resources.”

Mobilizing resources doesn’t just mean capital. It means releasing the social energy currently trapped by bureaucracy, fear of responsibility, and overlapping legal frameworks that are, at times, unworkable.

Unlocking society’s potential depends on whether the government can clear the way or continues to obstruct.

On institutions: shift from a “pleading-giving” model to a “rights-responsibility” framework. Expand autonomy for localities and businesses, and eliminate unnecessary administrative intervention.

On infrastructure: prioritize digital infrastructure, energy, logistics, high-speed transport; develop marine and underground spaces; strengthen inter-regional connectivity to reduce actual costs.

On human capital: reform education and training, attract talent, and build a high-tech workforce for innovation and digital transformation. The focus must be on real productivity gains - not just input expansion.

Above all, this term must mobilize all available resources - public, private, social, and international - through transparent institutions, seamless administration, and fair risk-sharing mechanisms.

Discipline and civil service culture

Over the past five years, anti-corruption and anti-waste efforts have intensified: over 784,000 inspections were conducted, recommending the recovery of 424 trillion VND (about $16.85 billion), and referring 1,762 cases for investigation.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that discipline is not just about punishment - it’s about building a civil service culture.

Integrity must become a professional ethic, not just a slogan. Every decision should be data-based, with independent post-audits. Every process must clearly define who is responsible, for what, by when, and what outcome is expected.

A transparent, accountable administration is vital for enhancing national competitiveness.

Five key priorities for comprehensive and sustainable development

The General Secretary outlined five priorities for the Government Party Committee, encompassing the full scope of Vietnam’s political, economic, and social agenda.

First, build an honest, innovative, and exemplary Government Party Committee.

Second, ensure macroeconomic stability, control inflation, and maintain key economic balances.

Third, implement the three strategic breakthroughs.

Fourth, advance culture, social security, and the environment - ensuring “no one is left behind.”

Fifth, safeguard national defense, security, and diplomacy - preserving independence in a volatile world.

These are not just five goals. They are the five pillars of a responsible, development-oriented government where economy, society, and security are unified in vision.

Double-digit growth – bold ambition, real challenges

The General Secretary has set a target of double-digit growth for 2026–2030. It is bold and reflects a desire for transformative change.

But to achieve it, three bottlenecks must be addressed: investment efficiency, labor productivity, and institutional quality.

Growth must be tied to fiscal discipline, capital efficiency, and meaningful reform. Every percentage point of growth must be based on real productivity - not fiscal expansion or loose credit.

This is the new metric of an “action-oriented government”: growth driven by reform, not by budget deficits or monetary easing.

From slogans to substance – measured by truth

Both the General Secretary and the Prime Minister are speaking the language of action: “Break out of outdated thinking,” “go beyond responsibility to completion,” “protect those who dare to act.”

The 2025–2030 term begins with two clear messages: face the truth and overcome ourselves.

Party leadership speaks more about truth than achievements. The government focuses on innovation through action. The business community increasingly speaks of nation-building, not just profit.

When institutions become a competitive edge, when social resources are unlocked, when civil service culture prioritizes integrity and results, then the goal of double-digit growth is no longer a dream.

Only when the truth is acknowledged, bold action is protected, and commitments are measured by results, will the slogan “Face the truth – Reform to the end” become a real promise: a government that dares to reflect, dares to act decisively, and dares to take full responsibility - in the service of the people.

Tu Giang