According to the directive, the key indicator system of the five-year plan must be feasible, clearly defined, grounded in reality, and aligned with the national development strategy for 2021-2030.

The draft plan for the next five years includes key components such as the overall context for developing the socio-economic plan, the overarching objectives for 2026-2030, key indicators, and several major macroeconomic balances. Among these, several national targets must be pursued, such as an average annual GDP growth rate of 10% or more during the 2026-2030 period, GDP per capita, labor productivity growth, and the proportion of the processing and manufacturing industry relative to GDP.

Many strategic directions and core tasks are outlined in the directive. Specifically, it calls for a focus on reviewing and streamlining administrative procedures, shifting from "pre-checks" to "post-checks," and reducing compliance costs for citizens and businesses. It also stresses the need to uphold administrative discipline and integrity in public service.

The directive emphasizes the development of a new growth model, restructuring the economy, and accelerating industrialization and modernization. Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are to be the primary driving forces behind breakthrough growth. Rapid development must be accompanied by sustainability, inflation control, macroeconomic stability, and stronger mobilization of development resources.

Private sector development is identified as the leading driver of growth and innovation. The government prioritizes building regionally and globally competitive private economic groups, while actively supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and strengthening the household and cooperative economies.

Vietnam will continue to promote breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in line with Politburo Resolution No. 57. The country aims to establish and implement bold mechanisms and policies, channeling resources into the development of science and technology, with a focus on 11 strategic technology sectors.

A major priority is the development of a high-quality workforce that meets international standards to support strategic industries and technologies. Education and training must be further improved to comprehensively enhance learners’ competencies, character, and physical health, while promoting Vietnam’s cultural and human values to meet the demands of the new era.

The education system must undergo comprehensive reforms to emphasize creative thinking, entrepreneurship, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), foreign languages (particularly making English a second language in schools), digital skills, and modern technology proficiency.

The directive also outlines the need for modern, synchronized infrastructure development and efficient use of new development spaces. Urban development and the construction of modern rural areas are emphasized.

The directive highlights several priorities: completing the national infrastructure framework, including the eastern North-South expressway, international transshipment ports, major airports, and the development of urban railway systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These networks should connect Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh airports with key expressways, targeting 5,000 km of expressways.

The government plans to restart construction of two nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan, aiming to complete investment and construction by December 31, 2030.

Socio-cultural development and the pursuit of social progress and equity are also key goals. The government seeks to improve people’s material and spiritual well-being and health. Social security and welfare policies will be reformed and fully implemented, especially for people with meritorious service, the elderly, children, gender equality, and residents of remote, border, ethnic minority, and mountainous areas.

The directive stresses strengthening national defense, ensuring security and public order, and maintaining a peaceful, stable environment for development. The military and public security forces must be clean, strong, regular, elite, and modern.

The directive instructs ministries, central agencies, and localities to translate these objectives, directions, and tasks into specific solutions and policies. The resulting five-year socio-economic development plans for 2026-2030 must be consistent in principles and general objectives, aligned with each sector’s and locality’s practical conditions and development levels. They must also closely align with the list of proposed national key projects in the draft documents of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Huong Quynh