Over the past 80 glorious years in our national history, under the leadership of the Communist Party and beloved President Ho Chi Minh, the government has stood shoulder to shoulder with the entire political system and the people and soldiers of Vietnam to overcome all challenges and adversities. Harnessing the power of great national unity in tandem with the strength of the times, the government has achieved tremendous accomplishments, successfully leading resistance wars and national construction, securing independence, freedom, and happiness for the people while guiding the country steadily along the path of renewal, integration, and development.

“Unity from top to bottom, coherence across the board”

Reflecting on 80 years of the government's journey - marked by hardship yet full of honor and pride in Vietnam’s revolutionary history - under the leadership of the Party Central Committee, President Ho Chi Minh, and consistently the Politburo, the Secretariat, and successive General Secretaries, from the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 to the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam today, we have remained united and consistent, “united from top to bottom, coherent across the board.” All efforts have been directed toward the goal of “national independence aligned with socialism” and a life of freedom, prosperity, and happiness for the people. This has contributed to pivotal turning points and momentous national victories and achievements of historical significance.

Following the success of the August Revolution, on August 28, 1945, the Provisional Government announced the formation of a new government and published the list of a unified national Cabinet of 15 members led by President Ho Chi Minh. On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on behalf of the Provisional Government, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, ending over a thousand years of feudalism and nearly a century of colonial and fascist rule, opening a new era of independence and freedom for the nation and its people.

In the nascent days of the revolutionary government, amid a perilous “thousand-pound thread-hanging” situation, the Provisional Government, under the Party and President Ho Chi Minh's leadership, focused on organizing and strengthening revolutionary rule while simultaneously fending off both internal and external threats. It launched widespread movements such as “Eradicate hunger” with the “Rice Jar Campaign,” “Eliminate illiteracy” with “Mass literacy education,” and the “Golden Week” campaign. It also organized the first general election to elect the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on January 6, 1946. At its first session on March 2, 1946, the First National Assembly established the coalition resistance government of 14 members, and on November 9, 1946, it passed the first Constitution of Vietnam.

When French colonialists attempted to reoccupy Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh issued the Call for National Resistance on the night of December 19, 1946, demonstrating the nation's readiness to sacrifice for independence and freedom. The government led the people and military in a strategy of “people’s war and all-out resistance,” working to stabilize civilian life and strengthen armed forces, achieving critical victories in campaigns such as Viet Bac-Autumn-Winter 1947, Border Campaign-Autumn-Winter 1950, and the Winter-Spring Campaign of 1953-1954. These efforts culminated in the historic Dien Bien Phu victory on May 7, 1954, which forced the French to negotiate at the Geneva Conference, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Van Dong.

Relentless efforts toward national independence and socialism

To undermine the Geneva Accords, French colonialists and later American imperialists attempted to divide the country by installing a puppet regime in the South. Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the government mobilized the full strength of the people and the era, pursuing a dual strategy: building socialism in the North while fighting for national liberation and reunification in the South. The North became the “great rear” supporting the “great front” in the South through nationwide campaigns like “Three Readiness,” “Three Capabilities,” “Great Wind,” “Bac Ly Drum,” “Coastal Wave,” and “Three-First Flag.”

By fully utilizing the “three-pronged offensive” of politics, military, and diplomacy, the Vietnamese people achieved major victories, including the Tet Offensive in 1968, the “Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory in 1972, and especially the Spring Offensive of 1975, culminating in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign on April 30, 1975, which liberated the South and reunified the country. The government also played a pivotal role in negotiating and signing the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, aiming to end the war and restore peace in Vietnam and Indochina.

After reunification, the first session of the Sixth National Assembly (1976) officially named the country the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

From July 1981 to September 1992, the government operated under the structure of the Council of Ministers. During this period, under the Party’s leadership, the government prioritized post-war recovery, economic development, and fulfilling international obligations, including aiding Cambodia’s liberation from the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime.

Facing economic stagnation due to centralized and bureaucratic management, the Party and State adopted reforms, such as Directive 100 (January 13, 1981) and “Resolution 10” (April 5, 1988), which implemented contractual systems in agriculture and promoted business autonomy in state-owned enterprises. Within one year of implementing Resolution 10, Vietnam transitioned from a food-deficient country to one of the world’s leading rice exporters. In 2024, Vietnam exported over 9 million tons of rice, generating USD 5.7 billion.

Transforming into a dynamic, open economy

The 6th National Party Congress in December 1986 marked the beginning of a new era of renovation, integration, and development. The Party, National Assembly, and Council of Ministers (renamed the Government in October 1992) initiated broad reforms across the board: dismantling subsidy mechanisms, developing a multi-sector economy, and promoting international integration. The government spearheaded efforts in institution-building, socio-economic development, environmental protection, social welfare, poverty alleviation, defense and security enhancement, and foreign relations.

Vietnam transitioned from an aid-dependent, embargoed economy to a dynamic, open one with one of the highest growth rates in the region and the world. It ranks among the top 15 destinations for foreign direct investment and the top 20 global trading nations. According to Brand Finance, Vietnam’s national brand value reached USD 507 billion in 2024, ranking 32nd globally.

The government focused on enhancing national defense and public security, building a robust people’s defense and security posture, and developing dual-use industries. Law enforcement efforts have helped maintain peace and public safety.

Foreign relations expanded rapidly and deeply, guided by Vietnam’s traditional diplomacy and Ho Chi Minh’s philosophy of “unchanging principles, flexible strategies.” Vietnam now maintains diplomatic ties with nearly 200 countries and comprehensive or strategic partnerships with 38 nations, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council. It is party to 17 free trade agreements and plays an active, effective role in addressing regional and global issues. Both the military and police participate in UN peacekeeping missions, earning international acclaim.

Advancing three strategic breakthroughs

To achieve the two centennial goals set by the 13th Party Congress, the government, under the leadership of the Party and General Secretary To Lam, and in close coordination with the National Assembly, Vietnam Fatherland Front, and mass organizations, is focusing on building foundations for a prosperous, civilized future. Efforts include downsizing administrative structures, consolidating provincial and communal-level units, and transitioning to a two-tier local government system. As a result, the 2021-2026 government comprises 14 ministries, 3 ministerial-level agencies, and 5 government-affiliated bodies, with 34 provinces and cities and 3,321 communes, wards, and special zones.

Administrative reforms are transforming governance from bureaucratic control to a service-oriented model. Procedures are more streamlined, benefiting both citizens and businesses.

The government continues to promote the three pillars of socialist democracy, socialist rule of law, and a socialist-oriented market economy, emphasizing people as the center, subject, motivation, and goal of development. Key policy priorities include balanced economic growth and environmental protection, Party building with a focus on personnel, cultural development, national defense and diplomacy, anti-corruption, and ensuring social security and equity. By mid-2025, the government had fulfilled ahead of schedule its target of eliminating 334,234 temporary and dilapidated houses nationwide.

Investments are accelerating in key infrastructure projects, including highways, airports, ports, digital infrastructure, and education and healthcare facilities. Notably, construction has begun on the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong high-speed railway and preparations are underway for the North-South high-speed railway and urban rail systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is also preparing for its first nuclear power plants, Ninh Thuan 1 and 2.

“Straight lines, smooth flow, united progress”

From this 80-year journey, the government draws several key lessons: unwavering commitment to national independence and socialism; prioritizing people as the foundation; fostering unity across all sectors; harmonizing national and global strengths; and ensuring all actions remain under the Party’s comprehensive leadership.

Vietnam is now entering a new development phase amidst both opportunities and growing challenges, including global uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, aging populations, resource depletion, and climate change.

In this context, the government is determined to push forward with governance reforms, reorganize administrative units, and enhance operational efficiency. Local governments are empowered with more autonomy under the principle of “local decisions, local implementation, local accountability.”

Efforts focus on institutional reform to unleash production, harness resources, and stimulate development. Talent development, especially attracting and nurturing individuals of integrity and capability, is a priority. Infrastructure development remains a highlight, with 3,000 km of expressways and 1,000 km of coastal roads set to be completed by the end of 2025.

Promoting inclusive education and equitable healthcare

The government is vigorously pursuing breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Key policy areas include legal reform, private and state economic development, education and training, public health, and culture. Prompt implementation follows each new Party resolution with concrete action plans.

Cultural development emphasizes a progressive, people-centered Vietnamese identity. Social welfare, public security, equity, and quality of life remain paramount, ensuring no one is left behind. The education system is being enhanced at all levels, alongside healthcare reforms to build a fair, high-quality, and sustainable system.

Resource management and environmental protection are prioritized, with climate change adaptation programs underway in the Mekong Delta and mountainous regions. Pollution in major urban areas is being addressed comprehensively.

Defense and security capabilities are being bolstered to safeguard national sovereignty. The military and police are modernized, and law enforcement focuses on combating drug, cyber, and high-tech crimes. Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, peace, and multilateralism elevates its international standing.

The government is committed to building clean, strong Party organizations across all agencies, ensuring capable and accountable leadership, and promoting integrity through the example of President Ho Chi Minh.

80 years of service, one enduring goal

For 80 years, the government has remained united, compassionate, resilient, and ambitious. Guided by the Party, overseen by the National Assembly, supported by the Vietnam Fatherland Front and social organizations, and rooted in the spirit that “the government serves the people,” it continues to work tirelessly for the nation’s development.

As President Ho Chi Minh once said: “Whatever benefits the people, we must strive to do. Whatever harms the people, we must avoid.” With this guiding principle, the government, in collaboration with all sectors and the people, is determined to fulfill strategic goals and elevate Vietnam’s global position in the new era.

PM Pham Minh Chinh