Speaking at the opening of the 14th National Party Congress this morning, President Luong Cuong extended a warm welcome to 1,586 delegates representing more than 5.6 million Party members nationwide.

“These are exemplary Party members,” the President said, “representing the intellect, will, strength of unity, and a shared determination to rise in a new era.”

Decisive moment, historic expectations

President Luong Cuong described the 14th Congress as a historic milestone on the path to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

He stressed that the Congress reflects the collective will, vision, and aspirations of the entire Party, people, and armed forces, with a spirit of strategic autonomy, self-reliance, and confidence toward building a peaceful, independent, democratic, prosperous, and civilized Vietnam.

He praised the nation’s unity in overcoming immense challenges - from the COVID-19 pandemic to global economic and geopolitical shocks.

“Vietnam has rapidly stabilized post-crisis, resumed growth, and fulfilled the key goals set out at the 13th Congress,” he said, noting revolutionary breakthroughs achieved in 2025.

These wide-ranging achievements - in economic development, cultural progress, national defense, diplomacy, and especially Party-building and anti-corruption - have laid a solid foundation of trust and social consensus, powering the momentum of the 14th Congress.

New era, new challenges

President Luong Cuong pointed to complex global and regional developments - rising strategic competition, climate change, and non-traditional security threats - as urgent drivers of reform.

He emphasized the need for a new growth model, improved productivity, and enhanced national competitiveness, along with stronger governance in defense, security, and foreign affairs.

“After 40 years of reform, Vietnam has made historic progress,” he said. “Our people’s well-being has improved. Our global standing has risen. But challenges remain.”

He noted that economic growth still lags potential, labor productivity remains low, and competitiveness is limited. Many citizens continue to face hardship, while climate change, disasters, epidemics, and cyber threats pose growing risks.

Amid these realities, he said, the Vietnamese people are counting on bold, strategic, and effective decisions from this Congress.

A turning point for the future

“The 14th Congress bears an extraordinary historic mission,” President Luong Cuong stated. “It must chart not only the course for 2026–2030, but also address strategic questions shaping our nation’s destiny for decades to come.”

He called on the Congress to reignite national pride and determination, mobilize all resources, and unify the country’s collective strength with global trends.

The goal, he said, is to accelerate comprehensive reform and national development, moving Vietnam toward a powerful, globally respected future - realizing President Ho Chi Minh’s vision and the aspirations of the Vietnamese people.

The Congress is also tasked with evaluating the implementation of the 13th Congress’s resolutions in the context of 40 years of reform, identifying key lessons, and setting a foundation for future growth and governance.

Key discussions will include setting development targets and breakthrough strategies for 2026–2030, with a long-term vision toward 2045.

“This includes revolutionary, high-impact policies to achieve rapid, sustainable development while protecting national sovereignty,” the President said.

In parallel, the Congress will conduct a comprehensive review of Party building and political system reform to ensure integrity, capability, and strength.

Choosing worthy leadership for a critical phase

“One of the most important tasks is to elect a new Party Central Committee,” President Luong Cuong said.

He stressed that the new leadership must be composed of individuals “who truly exemplify revolutionary ethics, intellect, courage, and leadership competence - worthy of being the people’s loyal servants and capable of fulfilling the great responsibilities entrusted by the Party and the people.”

“The 14th Congress marks the beginning of a new era of national development,” he concluded. “With the motto ‘Solidarity – Democracy – Discipline – Breakthrough – Development’, it embodies our unwavering will and unity toward building a peaceful, independent, prosperous, and happy Vietnam on the path to socialism.”

President Luong Cuong called on all delegates to demonstrate the highest sense of responsibility, wisdom, and unity in contributing to the success of this pivotal Congress.

Tran Thuong - Huong Quynh