by Hanoitimes 16/01/2026, 02:00

14th Party Congress ushers Vietnam into new era of transformation

Vietnam is preparing for a landmark Party Congress that leaders say will define the country’s strategic direction as it enters a new phase of development amid global uncertainty.

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam will mark a historic landmark as Vietnam enters a new era of development in a world full of opportunities and challenges, said Nguyen Xuan Thang, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.

Overview of the press conference on the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam on January 14. Photos: Duy Linh/The Hanoi Times

Thang, also Chairman of the Party’s Central Theoretical Council, said the congress holds historic significance as it takes place at a time of rapid global and regional change, bringing many opportunities alongside complex challenges.

After 40 years of renewal, Vietnam has achieved major and historic successes that have laid a solid foundation for national development, he told the press conference following the inauguration of the Press Center for the 14th National Congress on January 14.

Draft documents submitted to the 14th Congress clearly identify new and breakthrough directions, from strategic thinking to implementation methods, with a strong focus on institutional reform to ensure sustainable development, he added.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said the Party’s external policy outlined in the draft political report identifies strengthening national defense and security while promoting diplomacy and international integration as regular and essential tasks.

The external policy also aims to enhance Vietnam’s role and standing in global politics, the world economy and human civilization, while contributing proactively to peace, cooperation and sustainable development and taking greater responsibility in addressing regional and global issues, he said.

Standing Member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu speaks at the press conference.

At a press briefing on the congress agenda, Standing Member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu said the congress will discuss and approve key documents, including the political report of the 13th Central Committee.

Delegates will also review a report summarizing 40 years of socialist-oriented renewal, a report on 15 years of implementing the Party Charter from 2011 to 2025, proposed revisions to the charter and an assessment of the leadership of the 13th Central Committee, he said.

According to Tu, preparations for the congress have been completed with a strong reform spirit under the direct leadership of Party General Secretary To Lam.

For the first time, three major reports on political development, socio-economic growth and Party building have been integrated into a single, unified political report.

The documents also include an attached action program that clearly defines projects, timelines and responsibilities, allowing resolutions to take effect immediately after the congress.

“Public consultation on the draft documents attracted nearly 14 million opinions, reflecting strong consensus between the Party and the people,” Tu said.

He added that preparations for organization, logistics, security and communications have largely been completed, helping build confidence among Party members and the public.

Vietnam has also invited international diplomatic missions to attend the opening and closing sessions, reflecting the country’s appreciation for international support.

 

A decoration installed at Hoan Kiem Lake to mark the 14th National Congress.

Head of the Central Party Committee’s Commission for Publicity, Education and Mass Mobilization Trinh Van Quyet urged media outlets to provide faster, deeper and more persuasive coverage while ensuring accuracy and political orientation.

Before the opening of the press center, leaders and delegates visited thematic exhibitions and attended a special stamp release celebrating the congress.

Under the theme “Unity, democracy, discipline, breakthrough and development,” the 14th Party Congress will take place from January 19 to January 25 at the National Convention Center in Hanoi’s Tu Liem Ward.

Nearly 1,600 delegates representing more than 5.6 million Party members will partake in Vietnam’s largest political event. About 600 domestic and 800 international journalists are expected to cover the event.