Directive speech by General Secretary To Lam at the National Conference of Government and Local Authorities

Distinguished leaders of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front, and leaders of central committees, ministries, and branches,

Distinguished leaders of provinces and cities at the various locations,

Dear comrades.

In the joyful atmosphere of the early days of the new year 2026, looking forward to the 14th National Congress of the Party and preparing to celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year of the Horse, I am very pleased to attend the online Government Conference with localities. This conference both summarizes and evaluates the results of 2025 and looks back at the 5-year period from 2021-2025 - a period of difficulties and challenges, but in which our country has achieved many important accomplishments and milestones. On that basis, we will together rekindle our determination and confidence to enter the era of building a strong, prosperous, civilized, and happy nation.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, I would like to extend my warmest greetings, sincere regards, and best wishes to all leaders, delegates, and fellow citizens throughout the country.

We have seen footage of the socio-economic situation in 2025 and the 2021-2025 period of the country, and listened to the frank, heartfelt, and responsible statements of the Prime Minister, government leaders, and leaders of central and local ministries and agencies. At this conference, I would like to raise some general and directional issues for you all to study.

I. LOOKING BACK AT 2025 AND THE FIVE YEARS 2021-2025

The context of the 2021-2025 period is very special, but under the leadership of the Party, directly and regularly by the Politburo and the Secretariat; with the support of the National Assembly and the Vietnam Fatherland Front; the active participation of the people and businesses; and the support of international friends, the Government and the Prime Minister have directed and managed decisively, flexibly, and effectively in all fields. Many policy decisions have been made...to turn the situation around, to change the state,preferadapt to the circumstancesSatisfiedcontribute"Turning crisis into opportunity"Numerous strategic resolutions on key areas such as science and technology, institutions and laws, international integration, private sector, state-owned economy, culture, and attracting FDI have created the foundation for rapid and sustainable development both in the short and long term. Thanks to these efforts, by 2025, we had successfully achieved and surpassed our targets.15/15 key socio-economic indicators;During the period 2021-2025, the target is expected to be achieved and exceeded.22/26The main socio-economic indicators are approximately met.2/26targets,2 taels remainingThere are still goals we need to strive for. I note the following eight outstanding achievements:

The firstMacroeconomic stability has been maintained amidst global uncertainties, clearly demonstrating the resilience of the economy.During the period 2021-2025, inflation will remain stable.below 3.6%(approximately in 2025)3.3%); major balances are ensured; public debt and budget deficits are maintained within safe limits, consolidating medium-term stability.GDP growth in 2025 will reach8.02%, average during the period6.3%, belonging to the top group in the region and the world. The size of the economy increased from$346 billion (2020) up to 514billion USD (2025), ranked 32nd in the world; GDP per capita reachedthan5,000cau, placing Vietnam in the group of upper-middle-income countries.completing one of the major milestones set by the 13th National Congress.of the Partyset). Maintaining a trade surplus for 10 consecutive years(Trade surplus exceeding $21 billion by 2025)Budget deficit and public debt remain within safe limits.(Public debt in 2025 will be reduced to approximately 36% of GDP, the limit)allow(which is 60% of GDP)Tourism is recovering strongly, expected to welcome over 2025.21.5 millioninternational visitors. The state-owned enterprise sector continues to play a key role; the private economy is clearly rising, being"one of the most important drivers of the national economy"In line with the spirit of Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW of the Politburo, FDI continues to be a bright spot, with185 billionUSD registered for the period 2021–2025, disbursement in 2025 reached27.62 billionThe USD, at its highest level in five years, reflects the confidence of international investors while also highlighting the need to improve the quality and spillover effects of growth.However, the above results mainly reflect stability and scaling up; the major challenge for the next phase is to shift to growth based more on productivity, quality, and efficient resource allocation..

MondayStrategic breakthroughs were implemented simultaneously across three pillars:Tinstitutions and organizational structure, infrastructure,sourcehuman resources will create a fundamental shift in the development model.ThinkingFrom "management" to "development creation"These steps have been concretized, especially after the issuance of Resolution No. 66-NQ/TW of the Politburo, contributing to removing many long-standing bottlenecks, unlocking resources, and improving the investment and business environment. Reforms to the organizational structure and the two-tiered local government model, coupled with decentralization and delegation of power, have been accelerated, creating a significant shift in governance methods.Empowerment must go hand in hand with responsibility.This promotes a proactive and creative spirit, leading to a more streamlined administrative apparatus, more proactive local governance, and a gradual reduction in compliance costs.

In the infrastructure sector, there has been a greater focus on efficiency.synchronize, linkStrategic projects to expand development space and enhance land use value.such as highway infrastructure and airports,ports, high-speed rail, urban rail, international financial center, free trade zone…This shows that the development mindset has shifted towards creating a foundation for long-term growth, with increasing participation from the private sector. Along with this, social and digital infrastructure is being invested in more comprehensively, promoting digital transformation and improving the quality of public services. In the long term, human resources are placed at the center, especially in key technology fields and new professions; labor productivity has shown initial improvement.However, the challenge remains to more closely align training with the practical needs of the economy and the requirements of innovating the growth model..

TuesdayIn the cultural, social, and environmental fields, there have been significant changes in both awareness and action, directly improving the quality of life for the people and strengthening the foundation for sustainable development.The work of preserving and promoting cultural values ​​and heritage is approached in a more proactive and creative way, linked to the development of the cultural industry and the creative economy. Many heritage sites and documents have been honored by UNESCO; large-scale, professional cultural, artistic, and sports activities contribute to the formation of high value-added products and services with wide social impact, while strengthening the nation's soft power. Major political and historical events are organized solemnly and effectively, not only serving as commemorative events but also...to awaken the spirit of patriotism, strengthen the great national unity andart isbelief ofwholesocietyAccording to international assessments, the Human Development Index continues to improve, and the Happiness Index has increased significantly.(37 places, from 83rd in 2000 to 46th in 2025)This reflects genuine progress in the quality of life, not just in income.

Social security policies are implemented comprehensively and consistently with high spending levels.17% of total budget expenditure) to "No one should be left behind."; achieve the goal of eliminating temporary housing early and strongly develop social housing (334 thousandhouse, social housing,than100,000apartments in 2025), the multidimensional poverty rate is decreasing rapidly (only 1.3%This affirms the State's consistent priority of human beings, especially vulnerable groups, and social justice. In education and healthcare, many long-term policies have been implemented, from waiving and supporting tuition fees for general education, building more schools, increasing investment in education in disadvantaged and border areas, to strengthening the healthcare system, addressing long-standing issues while preparing the foundation for improving the quality of comprehensive healthcare for the people. Environmental protection, resource management, and adaptation to climate change are given greater importance in management and administration. Faced with increasingly extreme natural disasters, unified direction from the central to local levels and the mobilization of both state budget and social resources have helped minimize damage, quickly stabilize lives, and restore production, clearly demonstrating the constructive role, responsibility, and humanity of the State and the Government.

WednesdayScience and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are being implemented vigorously, gradually becoming new pillars of the development model.of the country.Policies supporting science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation have been implemented more synchronously and systematically. The national innovation system and startup ecosystem have been more clearly defined, with close links between the State, businesses, and research institutions. The operation of the National Innovation Center and the National Data Center demonstrates a new approach in organizing, mobilizing, and coordinating innovation resources at the national level; simultaneously, it has formed several internationally standardized science and technology organizations and promoted projects and collaborations in new and core technologies.

Global Innovation Index 2025 rankings44/139.Digital transformation, linked with administrative reform, is being accelerated with a focus on citizens and businesses; the building of a digital government, digital citizens, and a digital society is gradually becoming more substantive.Project 06This will create fundamental changes in public service delivery, helping to save approximately [amount].3 trillionEqual social costs each year; e-Government index increases.15 stepscompared to 2020, ranked71/193This demonstrates significant progress in digital governance.However, the results are still in the early stages; digital transformation and innovation have not yet spread evenly. The challenge ahead is to shift from widespread implementation to improving efficiency and depth, so that science can be applied.,Technology and digital transformation have truly become the main drivers for improving productivity, competitiveness, and the quality of growth.

ThursdayMeanwhile, national defense and security capabilities continue to be comprehensively strengthened, creating a solid foundation for political stability and national development in the context of a challenging regional and international security environment.veryMany changes.Political security is maintained; the national defense posture, people's security andthe people's support"The defense and security forces have been strengthened, demonstrating a close connection between the task of protecting the Fatherland and consolidating social trust. The building of revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern armed forces has been implemented with a focus; investment resources for national defense and security have been increased, prioritizing strategic and long-term areas, showing proactive preparation from an early stage and afar. Social order and safety are ensured; by 2025, crimes against social order will be reduced."decrease by more than 24%Traffic safety and fire prevention measures have been implemented comprehensively, contributing to a safe living and business environment. Defense and security diplomacy has been strengthened in a proactive and substantive manner, serving the goal of protecting the Fatherland from early on and from afar, and maintaining a peaceful environment for development. The armed forces continue to play a leading role in disaster prevention, rescue, and relief efforts, and effectively carry out international peacekeeping missions, thereby enhancing Vietnam's prestige and position.

FridayFurthermore, foreign affairs and international integration continue to be a bright spot, contributing to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment and expanding the development space for the country.Relations with strategic and comprehensive partners have been expanded and deepened, closely linking politics, economics, defense and security, and cultural exchange. Economic diplomacy is being implemented proactively, substantively, and directly serving development; in 2025 alone, agreements will be signed.nearly 350Agreements and commitments to cooperation attract resources, expand markets, and enhance the resilience of the economy. Vietnam's role, position, and international responsibilities continue to be affirmed in regional and global multilateral mechanisms, contributing to enhancing its prestige and ability to participate in shaping the rules of the game. The foreign relations network is increasingly broad and balanced, with diplomatic relations with195 countries, which includes42 comprehensive and strategic partnersThis clearly reflects the independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy, in line with the country's development requirements in the new context.

SaturdayFurthermore, the work of Party building and strengthening the political system continues to be promoted in a steadfast, consistent, and innovative direction, directly enhancing the Party's leadership capacity and the State's operational effectiveness.The restructuring and streamlining of the organizational apparatus in 2025 will not only reduce the number of departments and overcome overlaps, but more importantly, enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and effectiveness of governance to meet the development requirements of the new period. The fight against corruption, waste, and negative practices continues to be a highlight, implemented decisively and synchronously, with a strong spirit."There are no forbidden areas, no exceptions."thereby strengthening discipline, order, and social trust. Notably, the fight against corruption is increasingly linked to addressing structural bottlenecks in the economy, overcoming shortcomings in management, especially in the fields of finance and banking, resources, and large investment projects. The handling of these issues...5 The handling of weak banks, the resolution of long-standing loss-making projects, and many key energy projects demonstrate an approach that shifts from addressing individual violations to unlocking resources for development. The concrete results are nearly...1,200project with a total value of approximately675 trillionThe copper has been dismantled and put back into operation; nearly3,000 projectsThe backlog is being reviewed and categorized for fundamental resolution, preventing losses, waste, and the prolonged stagnation of resources.

Eighth,Presides over and coordinates with agencies in formulating major policies and decisions of the Central Committee, the Politburo, and the National Assembly.This includes reports and proposals from the Central Committee and the National Assembly on annual and five-year socio-economic development; strategic and key resolutions of the Politburo and resolutions of the National Assembly on specific mechanisms and policies to implement the Politburo's resolutions; major decisions on the construction of the North-South high-speed railway, the railway connecting with China, and urban railways in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City...

Based onObjective assessments and specific, verifiable data confirm thatbetweenDespite global uncertainties, and a context where difficulties and challenges outweigh opportunities, we have not only maintained stability, including macroeconomic stability, but have also achieved quite comprehensive successes in all fields, contributing to consolidating and strengthening the people's confidence, spiritual and material well-being, and enhancing Vietnam's position and prestige in the international arena, creating momentum, strength, and a favorable situation.This lays the foundation for the coming years, including the goal of promoting double-digit economic growth in the near future..

On behalf of the Party and State leadership, I warmly welcome, acknowledge, congratulate, and commend the Government, the Prime Minister, Party committees at all levels, government agencies, mass organizations, the business community, cadres, Party members, people, soldiers nationwide, and overseas Vietnamese for their efforts and achievements in 2025 and especially in the 2021-2025 period.

Dear comrades!

Alongside the achievements, and in the spirit of facing the truth and assessing the reality accurately, it is necessary to seriously acknowledge that many shortcomings, limitations, and challenges remain, some long-standing, others newly arising, reflecting structural bottlenecks in the national development model and governance system. I would like to point out...8 The main limitations are as follows:

The first,The macroeconomic fundamentals are stable, but risks remain in the context of limited fiscal and monetary policy space. Some key markets, such as real estate, corporate bonds, and asset markets, are still operating inefficiently, with lingering defensive and speculative sentiment.

Monday,Growth still relies heavily on expanding inputs, especially investment and land exploitation, while labor productivity, total factor productivity (TFP), and technological content improve slowly. Linkages between the FDI sector and domestic enterprises remain weak; supporting industries develop slowly; and innovation has not spread evenly. Therefore, some localities achieve high growth but lack sustainability, still depending on isolated projects and short-term resources, and some even remain uncertain about their growth targets.

Tuesday,Disbursement of public investment funds is slow and not very effective.This shows a high ICOR coefficient of nearly 6, while successfully industrialized countries only have around 3.); the level of waste in land, resource, and public asset management remains high. Many projects are prolonged, over budget, and inefficient, reflecting limitations in project preparation, prioritization, and accountability mechanisms. Many projects have funding but cannot be implemented due to land acquisition issues, planning adjustments, and design changes. Mobilizing private resources still faces obstacles due to a risky legal environment and high compliance costs.

Wednesday,The legal system remains overlapping and inconsistent, despite our best efforts. Administrative procedures, especially in the areas of land, investment, construction, and environment, are cumbersome and lengthy, increasing costs and risks for businesses. Some projects take many years to complete the procedural stages, while each stage is handled by a different agency and there is no mechanism for overall accountability. Notably, some regulations have not kept pace with reality, distorting price signals and increasing risks for businesses.For example, the mechanism for announcing construction material prices is slow and does not reflect market prices.This makes contractors vulnerable to losses or difficulties with settlements and inspections. This reflects a passive approach in institutional design., state administration,market operationsnot suitablemarket principles)The capacity to organize and implement policies is uneven, and there is still a tendency to avoid responsibility, pass the buck, and fear accountability among some officials.cSlow removal of institutional and market-operating bottlenecks risks undermining long-term investment momentum and hindering sustainable economic recovery.

Thursday,The restructuring and streamlining of the organizational apparatus and the implementation of the two-tiered local government model in some areas are still facing difficulties, lacking coordination, and causing delays in administration, creating problems for citizens and businesses. Decentralization and delegation of power have not been coupled with resource allocation and capacity building for officials, creating a gap between assigned authority and the ability to implement it in practice.

Friday,There is still a shortage of high-quality human resources, especially in key sectors such as high technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and strategic infrastructure. The quality of training and the connection between training and labor market needs still have a significant gap, exacerbating the situation of both labor shortages and surpluses.

Saturday,Environmental pollution, traffic congestion, and overloaded infrastructure in major cities have not been fundamentally addressed. Adaptation to climate change remains passive in some areas, and resource management and environmental protection have not kept pace with the rate of urbanization and industrialization, increasing the risk of unsustainable development.

Eighth,Security and order in some areas still harbor complexities; high-tech crimes, cross-border fraud, and cybersecurity threats are on the rise, posing new challenges for state management and social protection in the digital environment.

The aforementioned shortcomings and limitations show that the core challenge of the next phase is not a lack of resources or external instability, but primarily the quality of institutions, implementation capacity, and the vitality of the development model. This is both a pressure and a driving force for reform, if correctly identified and acted upon decisively. The new phase demands a strong shift from laying the foundation to accelerating in quality and scale, from handling situations to fundamental reforms, from short-term management to creating long-term momentum; only in this way can we unlock market confidence, unleash social resources, and usher the country into an era of rapid, sustainable, and more intensely competitive development.

II. REGARDING THE DIRECTION AND TASKS FOR 2026

2026 marks the beginning of a new development phase, linked to the implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 2026-2030 socio-economic development plan. This is a crucial year in shaping the country's development model and long-term growth trajectory. Achieving a GDP growth target of 10% or more is very challenging. In the context of declining traditional growth drivers, and the clear emergence of limitations in productivity, growth quality, and competitiveness, old approaches no longer meet new requirements. Therefore, the coming period demands fundamental changes in development thinking, governance methods, resource allocation, and strong decentralization and delegation of power, with sufficiently deep, strong, and decisive reforms.

In that spirit, wefitRightEffectively address immediate problems to create momentum for growth., fitimplement long-term strategic reforms totransferchange the development modelI would like to emphasize the following seven key directions, tasks, and solutions for the coming period:

The first,Focus on removing institutional bottlenecks and inadequacies to unlock currently stalled resources. A strong and substantive shift in mindset is needed."manage"luxurious"constructiondevelop"This ensures that each task has a responsible party, ending buck-passing and avoidance; delays in resolving issues will hinder growth from the very beginning of the term. Simultaneously, there is a determination to maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation, and ensure major balances; fiscal and monetary management will be closely coordinated, flexible, and technically sound based on market principles, avoiding the abuse of administrative measures. Interest rates and exchange rates will be managed appropriately; credit will be restructured to focus on production, business, and priority sectors, while limiting speculation and non-productive activities.

Continue to significantly improve the investment and business environment; expand decentralization and delegation of authority, review and reduce procedures, create more decision-making space and greater accountability for officials and civil servants, while reducing compliance time and costs for citizens and businesses. Resolutely abandon the mindset of "If you can't manage it, ban it."Strictly protect property rights and the freedom of business; absolutely no abuse of inspections, audits, and investigations to harass citizens and businesses. It is especially important to ensure the stability, consistency, and predictability of policies, minimizing sudden changes, retroactive application, or inconsistencies in implementation. Encourage experimentation with new mechanisms and models."such as data markets, crypto assets); streamlining administrative procedures based on digital data, eliminating the need for citizens and businesses to resubmit digitized documents. Simultaneously, proactively innovating information, communication, and public relations work, promoting patriotic emulation movements, and strengthening social consensus.

Stabilize and improve the health of key markets in the economy, fully respecting the laws of a competitive market economy, the law of supply and demand, the law of prices, etc.Particular emphasis should be placed on stabilizing markets with systemic impacts, such as real estate.The focus is on planning and legal matters.( ), corporate bonds, credit market, capital market, asset marketgold, foreign currency…This ensures the smooth, transparent, and safe operation of the market, thereby preventing the spread of risks and strengthening the confidence of investors, businesses, and the public. Simultaneously, it aims to develop a deep-seated medium- and long-term capital market, alongside restructuring the credit market towards sustainability, addressing the root causes of weaknesses in credit institutions, cross-ownership, shadow ownership, and relationship-based lending. It also seeks to research mechanisms for controlled dissolution of weak banks, allowing for the establishment of new banks and microfinance institutions, thereby enhancing the competitiveness, safety, and diversity of the financial system.

MondayThis fundamentally transforms the growth model to one based on productivity and innovation.In the coming period, improving productivity, human resource quality, science and technology, and innovation must be placed at the center of the development strategy, considering these as key conditions to overcome the middle-income trap and maintain high, sustainable growth. The economy must be restructured towards a green, digital, and circular direction; science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation should be the new drivers of growth, and the factors for renewing traditional growth drivers. Mechanisms to encourage technology application must be based on results, not on uniform support. Focus on developing foundational and key industries, internalizing the "Make in Vietnam" strategy, and effectively exploiting new development spaces such as the maritime economy, the blue ocean economy, and the space economy.in the air and underground), sharing economy…; selectively attracting FDI, linked to technology transfer, learning and adoption, and enhancing endogenous technological capacity. Promoting the development of a national database.correct, sufficient, clean, alive"Developing a digital government, digital economy, and digital society. Simultaneously, creating an even more favorable environment for the private sector to thrive, forming large private corporations capable of participating in key infrastructure, high technology, and strategic sectors."

Tuesday, building a modern, synchronized strategic infrastructure system, creating a foundation for national competitiveness.In the coming period, resources should be focused on strategic, breakthrough infrastructure projects, especially national arterial roads, railways, airports, seaports, energy, and digital infrastructure. By 2026, significant progress must be made, including the commencement of key components of the North-South high-speed railway, the acceleration of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong line, the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City urban railways, regional and inter-local expressways following mergers, and ensuring the progress of Long Thanh and Gia Binh International Airports. Simultaneously, energy security, especially clean energy, must be ensured, absolutely preventing electricity shortages; important energy projects, including nuclear power plants, must be urgently implemented. At the same time, the development of next-generation digital infrastructure must be promoted, 5G coverage expanded, 6G research conducted, data centers developed, and participation in the high-tech value chain gradually intensified, striving to commence semiconductor chip manufacturing projects. A roadmap needs to be established for Vietnam to join the group of leading countries in terms of telecommunications infrastructure quality and 5G/6G coverage.

We need to strongly innovate the way public investment is implemented, focusing on guiding development, spreading and activating private resources, thereby striving to reduce the ICOR to 4 in the coming period.

Wednesday, enhancing the enforcement capacity of the system under conditions of strong decentralization and delegation of power.PDeveloping high-quality human resources and raising the skill level of the entire society.

It is necessary to closely link authority with resources and accountability, ensuring smooth operation from the central to the grassroots level. Continue to streamline the organizational structure to be lean, efficient, effective, and efficient; enhance the responsibility of leaders, tighten administrative discipline, and put an end to avoidance and fear of responsibility; improve the mechanism for evaluating and replacing officials, and prioritize the recruitment of capable officials. Strictly implement Conclusion 226 of the Party Central Committee on rectifying working methods and improving the effectiveness of the political system; simultaneously, remove obstacles in the operation of local governments at two levels, focusing on improving the capacity of officials and Party members at the grassroots level, especially at the commune, ward, and special zone levels; 2026 should be set as the target year."Year of improving the quality of grassroots officials"There are solutions to exploit public assets that are being wasted, and to handle surplus public offices after restructuring, thereby enhancing the proactiveness, autonomy, and efficiency of the state apparatus.

It is necessary to implement an education and training strategy closely linked to the needs of the labor market and key technology and industrial sectors; while simultaneously enhancing fundamental skills, especially digital skills, for the workforce. Focus on improving labor productivity in accordance with Resolution 71 of the Politburo, promoting labor restructuring, increasing the proportion of non-agricultural workers; accelerating the adoption of English as a second language in schools, gradually introducing artificial intelligence and robotics into general education; and simultaneously establishing breakthrough mechanisms to develop national universities, excellent higher education institutions, and strategic technology research programs, creating a human resource foundation for long-term development.

Thursday, focusing on the comprehensive and synchronized development of cultural and social fields, improving people's lives and ensuring social security.Continue to preserve, enhance, and promote national cultural values; simultaneously develop the cultural industry with a focus on cinema, cultural tourism, and performing arts, considering this a new economic spearhead. Effectively implement breakthrough solutions for protecting, caring for, and improving people's health in accordance with the spirit of Resolution 72 of the Politburo. Strive to complete over110,000Social housing project to be completed in 2026, ahead of schedule.1 millionBased on the year 2028; completion248Integrated schools in border communes.

FridayActively adapt to climate change, prevent and mitigate natural disasters, strengthen resource management, and protect the environment.Focus on improving the capacity for forecasting, warning, and responding to natural disasters, especially flash floods, landslides, and extreme weather events. Accelerate the construction and completion of the national database on land and real estate, contributing to effective resource management and the development of a transparent market. Fundamentally address environmental pollution, especially in large urban areas; effectively implement climate change adaptation programs in the Mekong Delta and flood, landslide, and drought prevention and control programs in Central Vietnam, the Central Highlands, and Northern Vietnam. Simultaneously, efficiently exploit rare earth resources to serve the development of new industries while protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.

Saturday, firmly consolidating national defense and security, maintaining social order and safety; steadfastly pursuing an independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy.Creating a peaceful and stable environment for national development. Continuing to build a strong national defense system based on the entire population, a solid defense posture at the military region and regional levels; developing a self-reliant, dual-use, and modern defense and security industry, enhancing the overall strength of the armed forces. Ensuring absolute security and safety for major political events, especially the 14th National Congress of the Party and the elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term; strengthening the protection of state secrets, especially in cyberspace and during digital transformation. Simultaneously, promoting economic diplomacy and technology diplomacy, closely integrating defense and security with economic development; preparing well to successfully host the APEC 2027 Conference. Continuing to effectively protect citizens, promoting cultural diplomacy, people-to-people diplomacy, and science and technology diplomacy, thereby enhancing Vietnam's international standing and prestige.

Dear comrades!

Over the years, the entire Party, army, and people of Vietnam have united and strived to overcome difficulties and challenges, achieving many important accomplishments. Practical experience proves that the greater the difficulties, the more the will, resilience, and spirit of unity of our nation are tempered and strengthened. It can be affirmed that, at this point, the country has gathered sufficient strength and momentum, the will and determination to enter an era of prosperous and thriving national development.

New opportunities are opening up, but these opportunities will only become a reality through effort and action. I am confident that the Government, ministries, departments, and localities, together with the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army, will continue to unite, act decisively with the highest responsibility, and successfully achieve the goals and tasks for 2026 and the following years.

On the occasion of the New Year 2026 and in preparation for the Lunar New Year of the Horse, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, I wish all leaders, delegates, and all compatriots, comrades, and soldiers throughout the country a new year filled with good health, happiness, peace, prosperity, and many new victories.

Thank you very much!