Full text of speech by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Government Conference with localities

Dear delegates,

Dear comrades,

As scheduled, today, in the joyful and exciting atmosphere of the first days of the new year 2023 and preparing to welcome the Spring of Quy Mao, I am very pleased to join the leaders of the Party, the State and the leaders of the Central agencies in attending the National Online Conference of the Government with localities to summarize the work in 2022 and discuss the organization and implementation of tasks and plans for socio-economic development in 2023. First of all, on behalf of the Politburo, the Secretariat and with personal feelings, I would like to send to the comrades attending the Conference in the center of Hanoi as well as at the connecting points across the country my warm greetings, sincere greetings and best wishes for the new year. Wishing our Conference a great success.

Speaking at an online conference with 63 centrally-run provinces and cities, the General Secretary expressed his confidence that Vietnam will successfully complete the goals and tasks set for 2023.

I understand that you have prepared for today's Conference very seriously, meticulously, thoughtfully, and vividly. The Government has given a very comprehensive, complete, and clear report. Some of the opinions expressed by representatives of the leaders of ministries, branches, and localities are very specific, rich, and vivid. I would like to add a few more general, suggestive, and emphatic issues for your reference, reflection, and discussion.

I- LOOKING BACK AT 2022

I still remember, last year, at the 2021 Work Summary Conference, also in this Hall, on January 5, 2022, I expressed my wishes and wished the Government and authorities at all levels to strive and make efforts to2022 must achieve more achievements and progress than 2021. The conference applauded strongly in agreement and support, with great determination and enthusiasm. Now, when summarizing and evaluating, looking back at 2022, I hope and request that comrades answer clearly and coherently the general question: in 2022, were the results and achievements in all aspects and fields greater or more progressive than in 2021? In which aspects and fields were they greater or more progressive? In which aspects and which tasks were not as expected? Why? And what lessons can we learn?

Through the Government's Report, the opinions of representatives of leaders of some ministries, branches, localities and information updated to today, I have the feeling that: In 2022 wehas basically achieved that wish and blessing.Shown in the following 5 points:

- One is, looking at the whole picture: 2022 is a year with many difficulties, big challenges, suddenly appearing, negative impacts, many aspects and very heavy influence not only on our country but also on the whole world. In the world, the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, sanctions by the US and Western countries against Russia; strategic competition between major countries; measures to prevent and control the Covid-19 epidemic in China; natural disasters, floods, droughts lasting over a large area in China, EU countries,... have caused supply chains to be disrupted; prices of crude oil, food, food and many input materials and raw materials have increased sharply; inflation has increased dramatically in many countries and major partners. Domestically, in addition to opportunities and advantages, we also have to face many new and more serious difficulties and challenges: We must continue to deal with the inherent shortcomings and weaknesses of the economy that have accumulated for a long time and become more serious due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn as well as the unusual fluctuations of the global financial and monetary markets; control the Covid-19 pandemic, prevent and combat influenza A, dengue fever, African monkeypox and other diseases, natural disasters, storms and floods that are complicated and contrary to the law; prices of goods, supplies, raw materials for production, especially gasoline prices, input costs, and transportation are increasing, affecting the production and business activities of many enterprises, industries, fields and people's lives...

In that very special context, thanks to the high determination, efforts, and great, persistent contributions of the entire Party, people, and army, we have successfully and quite comprehensively achieved the following goals and tasks:Focusing on disease prevention, control and control while promoting socio-economic recovery and development, building an independent and self-reliant economy associated with proactive and active international integration, deeply and effectively.. Completed and exceeded 14/15 planned targets (only 1 target on social labor productivity growth rate was not achieved). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) commented,Vietnam is a bright spot "in the gray picture" of the global economy..

- Second,In the context of the global economic and trade situation declining and facing many risks as mentioned above, our country's economy continues to grow rapidly, reaching 8%, much higher than the plan of 6 - 6.5%, and is a high level compared to other countries in the region and the world. State budget revenue increased by 14.12% compared to 2021; total social investment capital increased by 11.5% compared to the previous year; of which disbursed foreign direct investment reached more than 22 billion USD, an increase of 13.5%. Total import-export turnover reached a record level of 732 billion USD, an increase of 10% compared to 2021.(Vietnam continues to be in the top 25 economies in terms of trade);continued to maintain a trade surplus for the 7th consecutive year with a turnover of 11.2 billion USD. The macro economy was basically stable; the consumer price index was controlled at 3.15% over the same period; the major balances of the economy were generally guaranteed; the financial and monetary markets remained basically stable.

All major sectors and fields of the economy have recovered and developed strongly. The industrial production index increased by nearly 8% compared to 2021; agricultural production continued to grow steadily, up 3.36% over the same period; nearly 7 million tons of rice and many other key agricultural products were exported with a total turnover of more than 53 billion USD. The tourism and service sectors have developed vigorously again, especially after the epidemic was controlled, increasing by 19.8%. Business development has shown many improvements, with more than 208,000 newly established and re-operating enterprises, an increase of more than 30% over the same period, 1.4 times the number of enterprises withdrawing from the market.

Many long-standing issues, especially the handling of weak commercial banks, slow-progressing and ineffective enterprises and projects, have been focused on resolving and handling, initially achieving positive results. In particular, the Government and the Central Economic Commission have proactively and actively directed ministries, branches and localities to summarize theories and practices, develop and submit to the Politburo for consideration and promulgation of new resolutions on socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security in all 6 socio-economic regions of the country. The serious implementation of these resolutions is in accordance with the spirit of the 6 National Conferences on regional development, which were held very successfully in 2022 with the spirit of"The front calls, the back supports", "One call, a hundred respond", "Unanimity from top to bottom", "Continuity across the board"will actively contribute to the successful implementation of the Party's 13th National Congress's innovation policy on regional development - an issue of strategic significance, very important in both theory and practice in the rapid and sustainable development of regions in particular and the whole country in general.

- Third,The cultural and social fields continue to receive attention, care, investment and development, achieving many important and clear results; all levels, sectors and the entire political system increasingly have a more correct awareness and take more active actions on the issue of cultural and social development. The Covid-19 pandemic and other epidemics as well as the risk of "overlapping epidemics" have been effectively controlled, creating an important basis for opening up, recovering and developing the socio-economy. Social security is guaranteed; people's lives are improved; social policies have been promptly implemented, especially policies for people with revolutionary contributions; social protection policies and policies and measures to support businesses, workers and people severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The education sector continues to have many innovations, improving the quality of teaching and learning; promptly researching and adjusting the general education program. Many large-scale cultural, sports and entertainment events, especially the 31st SEA Games, have been organized very successfully.

- Four is, national defense and security continue to be consolidated, strengthened, and improved in effectiveness; national sovereignty, a peaceful and stable environment continue to be maintained, creating favorable conditions for national development. Social order and safety are ensured. Flexible, effective, and appropriate handling of complex situations at sea and on the border. Strengthen measures to ensure political security, social order and safety; focus on suppressing all types of crimes; ensure security and safety for important political events of the country. Timely fight and refute wrong and distorted views and ideologies of hostile forces and reactionary organizations; have frank dialogue with people with different political views.

Foreign affairs and international integration activities continued to be expanded, implemented synchronously, comprehensively, flexibly, effectively and achieved many important results, considered a bright spot in the past year. Notably, the visits and phone calls of our Party and State leaders to countries and partners, especially China, Laos, Cambodia, ASEAN countries, the United States, Japan, Korea, Australia, etc. were very successful, highly appreciated by domestic and international public opinion, contributing to continuing to enhance our country's international position and prestige, making positive, effective and responsible contributions to maintaining a peaceful, stable, cooperative and progressive environment in the region and the world. Citizen protection, foreign information, economic and cultural diplomacy continued to be focused on and promoted.

- Five is, the work of building the Party and the political system continues to be promoted, strengthened, inheriting and promoting the results and lessons learned in the past time, especially since the beginning of the term; combining more harmoniously and smoothly between "building" and "fighting". The work of preventing and combating corruption and negativity continues to be implemented resolutely, synchronously, comprehensively, methodically, in-depth, without forbidden areas, without exceptions, creating a great deterrent and warning. Corruption and negativity are gradually controlled and pushed back; many economic and corruption cases, especially major and serious cases, continue to be discovered, investigated, prosecuted, prosecuted, and tried strictly, which are welcomed, highly appreciated, and supported by cadres, party members and the people. The handling of violations related to FLC Group, Tan Hoang Minh, Van Thinh Phat, Viet A Company, Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,... are examples that demonstrate the above mentioned points.

In 2022, the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat promptly issued and led and directed the effective implementation of many important resolutions, conclusions, and directives on socio-economic development; ensuring national defense, security, foreign affairs; and building the Party and the political system. With 3 sessions, including 1 extraordinary session, the National Assembly discussed and approved 12 draft laws and 34 resolutions; and commented on 13 draft laws. The Government and authorities at all levels continued to promote administrative reform, especially administrative procedure reform, government building, e-government, etc. The system of judicial agencies has made many efforts to promote judicial reform, continuing to improve the quality, effectiveness, efficiency, comprehensiveness, and synchronization of judicial activities. The activities of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations continue to be promoted, making an important contribution to strengthening social consensus and promoting the strength of great national unity.

That is the general assessment of 2022; is it correct? Please give your comments. If you agree, please give a round of applause!

The conference had a very long and loud applause; thus, it means that all comrades agreed and agreed. This high consensus does not mean that we are arrogant, complacent, or self-praising each other, but is the truth, consistent with the reality that has happened and consistent with the recognition and assessment of international friends, the excited atmosphere among the people that I felt through observation, especially through contact with voters and some foreign friends.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, I would like to warmly welcome, commend and sincerely thank the National Assembly, the Government, the Fatherland Front, Party committees at all levels, authorities, organizations, business communities, cadres, Party members, compatriots and soldiers nationwide for those results, achievements and great efforts and contributions.

However, we absolutely must not be subjective, complacent, or too enamored with the results and achievements that have been achieved, because our country is still facing many difficulties and great challenges, especially the fierce challenges that have just appeared since mid-October 2022 until now:

The financial and monetary markets, especially the real estate, securities and corporate bond markets, are very complicated and still have many potential risks. The liquidity of some commercial banks is weak and large enterprises and projects are facing many difficulties. Bank interest rates are high, inflationary pressure is still high. Production and business activities in some industries and fields tend to decline; the number of enterprises withdrawing from the market is increasing; many enterprises have to reduce staff, reduce working hours, and lay off workers; workers' lives are facing many difficulties. Disbursement of public investment capital has not met requirements. Newly registered foreign investment capital, additional registration or capital contribution and share purchase has decreased compared to the same period. The growth rate of state budget revenue shows signs of decline; bad debts of banks and state tax debts tend to increase; Ensuring economic security, cyber security, social order and safety, taking care of and protecting people's health, etc. are still major problems with many difficulties and challenges that need to be overcome. Institutional and policy building capacity is still limited; the quality of laws and policies is still low, and some documents are even contradictory and overlapping, negatively affecting the investment and business environment. The organization of law and policy implementation and public service execution is still a weak link; discipline and order in many places are not strict, and there are even phenomena of avoiding and shirking responsibility; whatever is beneficial is brought back to the agency, unit and individual; whatever is difficult is pushed out to society, to other agencies and other people. Policy response and coordination in some cases are still slow, not resolute, even passive, confused, and not very effective...

In order to continue promoting the results and achievements that have been achieved, overcoming the remaining limitations and weaknesses, our Conference today should look straight at the truth, focus on thorough and objective analysis, create high consensus in assessing and analyzing the situation, causes and draw some lessons. In my opinion, we can continue to inherit and promote the three lessons that have been drawn from previous Conferences, which are: (1) Inheriting and promoting the great and historic achievements over more than 35 years of innovation and the comprehensive results achieved since the beginning of the term. (2) Strengthening the solidarity, unity, efforts, joint efforts and unanimity of our entire Party, people and army in the spirit of "First support, then support", "One call, one response", "Unanimity above and below", "Compassion throughout". The entire political system, including the leadership bodies of the Party, the State, the Fatherland Front and mass organizations, must resolutely and persistently innovate, coordinate, combine more harmoniously, synchronously and systematically in leading, directing, thoroughly grasping, organizing and implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Congress, creating positive changes in fully promoting the leadership role of the Party, the management of the State, and the mastery of the People; promptly, correctly, closely and effectively resolving practical issues, especially important, sensitive, and pressing social issues. (3) Taking advantage of the consensus, sympathy, support, encouragement, motivation and timely comments of cadres, party members, veteran comrades, people of all walks of life, information agencies, press, etc., to create a combined strength and unanimity of mind for the entire political system and the whole society. At the same time, adding new, specific lessons of this year,let's call it lesson 4: Further improve the capacity for analysis and forecasting; proactively and sensitively grasp new developments of the situation; promptly and decisively handle problems effectively; complete each task thoroughly, not letting it drag on, causing congestion and wasting resources; flexibly adapt to newly arising situations. Focus on perfecting institutions, improving the investment and business environment, mobilizing and effectively using all resources, taking advantage of every opportunity to recover and develop the economy and society more quickly and sustainably. Timely detect and have appropriate policies and measures to resolutely overcome difficulties, difficult tasks and new tasks.

II- ON DIRECTIONS AND TASKS FOR 2023

We all know that 2023 is the third year, a pivotal year, of great importance in implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress. The Party Central Committee hasConclude,The National Assembly hasResolutionon socio-economic development, clearly defining the direction, goals and tasks for 2023. I basically agree with the Government's reports, I just want to suggest and emphasize some more orientational issues for our Conference to think and discuss together.

First, on assessment, analysis and comment on the situation:We need to be proactive in all situations, especially new difficulties and challenges that arise; absolutely not be subjective or satisfied with the results and achievements that have been achieved, because the goals, requirements and tasks set for 2023 and the entire 13th term are very high, while our country is still facing many difficulties and great challenges, as I mentioned above.

It is forecasted that in the coming years, the international and regional context and situation will continue to have many complex, rapid and unpredictable changes. Peace, cooperation and development are still the major trends, but they also face many obstacles and difficulties. Strategic competition, economic competition and trade wars continue to be fierce. Under the impact of the conflict that may continue in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed by the US and the West on Russia, the world will have geopolitical and geo-economic fluctuations and the risk of falling into a serious crisis in energy, food and global supply chains. Science - technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution are developing strongly, creating breakthroughs in many fields, creating both opportunities and challenges for all countries. Climate change, natural disasters, epidemics and non-traditional security issues are increasingly having strong impacts and can seriously threaten the stable and sustainable development of the world, the region and our country.

Two is,on economic development:Should we thoroughly grasp, strictly and effectively implement the Party's guidelines and policies and the State's laws and policies on rapid and sustainable development? Focus on consolidating and strengthening the macroeconomic foundation, controlling inflation, improving the internal capacity and autonomy of the economy on the basis of healthiness, maintaining stable and safe development of the system of credit institutions, the monetary market, the real estate market, the stock market, and corporate bonds. Focus on improving the investment and business environment; effectively resolving the difficulties, limitations, and weaknesses, both short-term and long-term, of the economy to maintain the momentum of recovery, rapid and sustainable growth, and more substantial; create stronger changes in implementing strategic breakthroughs, restructuring the economy associated with renewing the growth model, improving productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of the economy. Promote national digital transformation, develop digital economy, digital society, green economy, circular economy, etc. associated with strengthening resource management and environmental protection.

Third, on culture and society:It is necessary to pay more attention to the task of developing culture and society in harmony and on par with economic development; constantly improve the material and spiritual life of the people. Effectively implement policies to support people, workers and businesses facing difficulties. Take care of the lives of people with revolutionary contributions and people in difficult circumstances; build new rural areas and civilized urban areas, associated with preserving and promoting rural and urban cultural values ​​and identities, creating jobs and sustainable poverty reduction; prioritize allocating resources to implement programs, projects and policies for ethnic minorities and mountainous areas, remote areas, border areas and islands. Continue to do better in disease prevention and control, improve the quality of medical examination and treatment; promptly handle and clear the provision of adequate and timely medicines, medical supplies and equipment; ensure food hygiene and safety. Improve the effectiveness of cultural institutions, especially in industrial zones and new urban areas; preserve and promote good heritage and cultural values. Build a healthy cultural lifestyle; prevent moral and lifestyle degradation and pay more attention to preventing domestic violence, child abuse and social evils.

Fourth, on national defense, security and foreign affairs:It is necessary to continue to consolidate and strengthen national defense and security potential; maintain political stability, social order and safety; improve the effectiveness of foreign affairs and international integration. Proactively prevent and fight to defeat all sabotage plots of hostile and reactionary forces; absolutely not be passive or surprised in any situation. Synchronously implement solutions to ensure political security, social order and safety; actively fight against all types of crimes and social evils; implement solutions to ensure network security, traffic safety, fire and explosion prevention and control.

Organize foreign affairs activities well, especially high-level foreign affairs; proactively and actively deepen and make more substantial the relations with partners; promote multilateral foreign affairs. Effectively implement the signed trade agreements, making the most of the benefits that these agreements can bring.

Fifth, on Party building and the political system:It is necessary to continue to promote and improve the work of building and rectifying the Party and the political system, especially the system of legislative, executive and judicial agencies from the central to local levels. Build a truly clean, honest, strong Government and local authorities that operate effectively and efficiently. Specifically, there must be a program and plan to seriously, vigorously and with specific results implement the Resolutions and Conclusions of the Central Committee on this issue, especially the Resolution of the 4th Central Committee, Session XII and the Conclusion of the 4th Central Committee Conference, Session XIII on promoting Party building and rectification, preventing, repelling and strictly handling cadres and Party members who have degraded in political ideology, ethics and lifestyle, showing signs of "self-evolution" and "self-transformation", associated with studying and following the ideology, ethics and lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh.

Do better in personnel work to select and arrange the right people who are truly virtuous, talented, honest, and dedicated; who truly serve the country and the people into leadership positions of the state apparatus. Resolutely fight to eliminate those involved in corruption and depravity; oppose all manifestations of seeking positions, power, localism, preferential recruitment of unqualified relatives and family members. Promote democracy, raise the sense of responsibility, set an example, and serve the people of cadres, civil servants, and public employees. Have mechanisms and policies to encourage and protect those who are dynamic, creative, dare to think, dare to do, and dare to take responsibility. Tighten discipline, regularly inspect and urge, create strong changes in the performance of public duties; improve the ethics, culture, and professionalism of cadres, civil servants, and public employees. Persistently and resolutely fight against corruption and negativity, associated with promoting the building and improvement of laws, mechanisms and policies so that "corruption is impossible, not daring, not wanting". At the same time, rectify and fight to eliminate the backward thinking and the fear that the fight against corruption and negativity will hinder development, discourage, "hold back", "defend", "cover up", and keep "safe" in a certain group of cadres and civil servants, especially leaders and managers at all levels. I have said it many times; now I repeat: Those who have such thinking should stand aside and let others do it! All of us, especially those who directly do organizational and personnel work, must have a pure heart and a discerning eye, do not "see the chicken as a country"!

Dear comrades,

With the results and achievements in 2022 and since the beginning of the term, I believe and sincerely hope that after this Conference, with new confidence, new spirit, new motivation, the Government and local authorities will, together with the entire Party, the entire people and the entire army, continue to unite and strive with greater determination and effort; be more proactive and creative to seize every opportunity and advantage; firmly overcome all difficulties and challenges; successfully complete the goals and tasks set for 2023 and the entire 13th term, contributing to building our beloved country to become more and more developed and prosperous; more and more dignified and beautiful, as beloved Uncle Ho always expected.

On the occasion of the New Year 2023 and the upcoming Spring of Quy Mao, on behalf of the Party and State leaders and with my personal feelings, I wish the Government and local authorities to continue promoting the achievements, results and lessons learned; overcome existing limitations and weaknesses; lead, direct, operate and operate more resolutely, effectively and efficiently, and fulfill the important responsibilities entrusted by the Party, State and People.

2023 must be more successful and progressive than 2022!

The whole Party, the whole people and the whole army are expecting, demanding and waiting for us, for you, comrades!

Wishing all comrades good health, happiness and success!