HANOI, Vietnam – From today until January 25, this city will be the epicenter of a strategic transformation in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, as it hosts the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party (CPV).
This meeting will not only evaluate 40 years of the Renovation (Doi Moi) policy and the fulfillment of the agreements of the 13th Congress, but also chart the course for turning the country into an industrialized, modern, high-income nation by 2045.
With sustained economic growth, a drastic reduction in poverty, and a strengthened international position, Vietnam is preparing to overcome the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution with science, technology, and innovation as new drivers.
The event, described by the Vietnamese ambassador in Havana, Le Quang Long, as a "turning point," lays the foundation for a stage of "strategic autonomy, self-sufficiency, and confidence."
PROGRESS REPORT
In a press briefing in Cuba, Ambassador Le Quang Long highlighted the macroeconomic and social successes that serve as a platform for the new objectives.
Despite a volatile global context, Vietnam has maintained an average annual growth rate of 6.3% (2021-2025), among the highest in the region. Its GDP reached $514 billion in 2025 (32nd in the world), and per capita income exceeded $5,000, placing it in the group of upper-middle-income nations.
These indicators are due to a stable macroeconomy, a sustained trade surplus, and rigorous control of public debt.
Social progress is equally remarkable. The Human Development Index (HDI) improved by 14 places, reaching 0.766 (high human development), and multidimensional poverty fell to 1.3% in 2025. "Economic growth is more closely linked to ensuring social progress and equity," the diplomat stressed.
Externally, Vietnam has consolidated a network of 42 comprehensive strategic partnerships, including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and its Party maintains ties with 259 political parties around the world.
A MORE AGILE AND CLOSER STATE
Another noteworthy aspect is the profound reorganization of the political-administrative system, an internal "revolution" aimed at increasing efficiency. In a bold move, Vietnam reduced the number of its provinces from 63 to 34, seeking to create stronger and more rational administrative and economic centers.
At the same time, an entire layer of intermediate government was eliminated: the municipal level. Now, the state structure is organized into only three levels: central, provincial, and communal government.
"The goal is to reduce the intermediate levels as much as possible. To focus on building and improving the capacity of grassroots governments, because they are the most direct and closest to the people," explained the Ambassador. These reforms seek to create a "refined, compact, strong, effective" state, a principle that resonates with Cuba's institutional improvement efforts.
AXES OF A NEW GENERATION STRATEGY
The Congress, which will bring together 1,586 delegates, will focus on three strategic advances for the period 2026-2031, with a vision for 2045:
A new growth model: Abandoning dependence on natural resources and cheap labor to adopt a model based on science, technology, and innovation, with digital transformation as its backbone. Sectors such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, and molecular biology will be priorities.
The private sector as a key driver: The private economy is officially recognized as a very important driver of the economy, valuing its flexibility and capacity for innovation in a competitive global environment.
Sustainability as a central commitment: For the first time, environmental protection is elevated to the same level as socioeconomic development, as a "central task." It is a strategic commitment not to sacrifice the future for short-term gains.
Selective, high-quality foreign investment: The indiscriminate attraction of foreign capital will be left behind in favor of prioritizing high-tech, low-emission projects that facilitate technology transfer and connections with domestic companies.
The theme of the Congress sums up the objectives: "Joining forces and wills to successfully achieve the country's development goals by 2030. Affirming strategic autonomy, resilience, and confidence to move forward firmly in the era of national ascendance... with firm steps toward socialism."
A FOREIGN POLICY OF PEACE, AUTONOMY, AND PRESTIGE
In a complex world, Vietnam will maintain its line of independence, autonomy, multilateralization, and diversification of relations. "Be a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community," the ambassador emphasized.
A new element is the explicit integration of defense, security, and foreign policy as a "crucial and regular task," always seeking to preserve the peaceful and stable environment necessary for development.
HISTORICAL TIES AND A SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Ambassador Le Quang Long highlighted the special attention his country gives to its ties with Cuba, the result of decades of common struggle and fraternal cooperation, which transcend geography. These ties were forged by the historic leaders Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro Ruz, continued by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, and remain strong in the will of both Communist Parties, led by To Lam and Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Today, Vietnam and Cuba share the challenge of innovating, developing their economies with sovereignty, improving the well-being of their peoples, and strengthening socialism as a living and constantly renewing project.
