Speaking on Saturday morning at the launch ceremony of the national emulation movement titled "Determined to Successfully Achieve Sustainable Double-Digit Growth for 2026-2030," the Prime Minister said the country must embrace bold reforms and innovative thinking to meet its long-term development objectives.

The event was organized by the Central Council for Emulation and Commendation in Ho Chi Minh City and connected virtually with provinces and cities nationwide. Prime Minister Hung, who chairs the council, presided over the ceremony.

Growth targets tied to Vietnam's long-term vision

In his keynote address, the Prime Minister said the 14th National Party Congress had opened a new era of development for Vietnam.

Under the country's strategic roadmap, Vietnam aims to become a developing nation with modern industry and upper-middle-income status by 2030, before advancing to developed, high-income status by 2045.

To achieve these goals, he said, economic growth during the 2026-2030 period must exceed 10% annually.

"Although opportunities exist, the challenges before us are even greater. We cannot continue with old approaches, old thinking and old methods. We need strategic vision, breakthrough thinking, decisive action, sustainable growth and a happier people," the Prime Minister said.

Local governments must stay closer to the people

To transform the campaign into a broad national movement, the Prime Minister called on ministries, agencies, local authorities, citizens and businesses to build on Vietnam's tradition of patriotism, self-reliance and national solidarity.

He outlined six key priorities for the campaign.

The first is fostering innovation in governance and institutional reform. The Prime Minister called for the removal of regulatory bottlenecks, significant reductions in administrative procedures, stronger mobilization of development resources and an end to the culture of avoiding responsibility within the public sector.

The second priority focuses on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and green transformation, which he described as the country's most important growth drivers and the core pathway to improving productivity, growth quality and national competitiveness.

Each ministry, sector and locality was encouraged to establish innovation centers, high-tech zones, digital government systems, digital societies and digital citizenship initiatives.

Infrastructure, public administration and fiscal discipline

The third priority is the development of modern and integrated infrastructure.

The Prime Minister instructed ministries and local governments to accelerate national key projects, strategic transport networks, digital infrastructure, energy systems and logistics facilities. High-intensity campaigns should also be launched to resolve long-delayed projects once and for all.

The fourth priority involves building a modern, professional and transparent public administration focused on serving citizens.

The Prime Minister stressed that local governments at all levels must become more responsive and accessible to the people.

"Authorities must stay closer to the people, listen to what they say, communicate in ways they understand and earn their trust," he said.

Civil servants and public employees were encouraged to embrace innovation and take responsibility for pursuing reforms that serve the public interest.

The fifth priority centers on thrift, waste reduction and stronger management of public finances and national resources.

The Prime Minister emphasized that every unit of budget spending must be used transparently, efficiently and effectively, while minimizing losses and avoiding fragmented investment.

The sixth priority calls for strengthening national defense, security and foreign affairs while advancing cultural development, education, healthcare and social welfare.

According to the Prime Minister, economic growth must always go hand in hand with social progress and fairness, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Ho Chi Minh City chosen as launch venue

The Prime Minister explained that Ho Chi Minh City was selected to host the launch because it serves as Vietnam's leading economic engine, a major innovation center and one of the country's most dynamic growth poles.

He said the city is well positioned to inspire action and spread the spirit of the campaign throughout the country.

The Prime Minister urged all levels of government to quickly translate the movement into practical action plans closely linked to political responsibilities, with clear targets and measurable outcomes.

He also called on every citizen to view participation as a personal responsibility, reflected through greater dedication to daily work, increased creativity and stronger contributions to the community.

"I firmly believe that with the Party's sound leadership, the determined involvement of the entire political system, the support of our people and armed forces, and the dynamism and creativity of the business community, this movement will create new momentum, new energy and new strength for the nation," he said.

"It will inspire self-reliance, innovation and a stronger aspiration to contribute among all Vietnamese people."

Phuoc Sang - Nguyen Hue