Vietnam’s Communist Party Chief Calls for Reform, Innovation at Opening of 16th National Assembly

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, Tô Lâm, delivered a comprehensive and forward-looking address at the opening of the first session of the 16th National Assembly in Hà Nội, outlining key priorities for governance reform, legislative innovation, and sustainable national development.

Addressing lawmakers, officials, diplomats, and citizens, Tô Lâm described the inaugural session as a moment of “particularly important significance,” marking the beginning of a new legislative term for the country’s highest representative body. He emphasized that the session would focus on consolidating the state apparatus in line with the Constitution while institutionalising the outcomes of the 14th National Party Congress.

The Party chief highlighted Việt Nam’s ambition to transition into a new phase of development characterised by rapid, sustainable, and innovation-driven growth. He underscored the importance of science, technology, and national unity as critical drivers in achieving long-term socio-economic goals.

Congratulating newly elected deputies of the 16th National Assembly for the 2026–2031 term, Tô Lâm noted that their mandate represents both an honour and a profound responsibility toward the Party, the people, and the nation’s future. He also acknowledged the contributions of the 15th National Assembly, crediting it with advancing legislative quality, strengthening oversight, and supporting socio-economic recovery.

In his address, Tô Lâm outlined four strategic priorities for the new legislature:

First, he called for a fundamental transformation in legislative work, advocating for a modern, coherent, and development-oriented legal system. He stressed the need to eliminate regulatory overlaps, improve legal clarity, and ensure laws are practical, accessible, and supportive of innovation and economic growth.

Second, he urged the National Assembly to strengthen its supervisory role, making it more substantive and results-oriented. Oversight, he said, must go beyond identifying shortcomings to ensuring accountability, resolving bottlenecks, and enhancing governance effectiveness.

Third, the General Secretary emphasised the importance of timely and strategic decision-making on major national issues, including public investment, socio-economic policies, and national development programmes. He warned that delays in decision-making could result in missed strategic opportunities.

Fourth, he highlighted the need to modernise the organisation and operations of the National Assembly by embracing digital transformation, increasing adaptability, and improving engagement with citizens, businesses, and experts.

Tô Lâm also drew attention to the rapidly evolving global landscape, marked by intensifying geopolitical competition, shifting supply chains, and technological disruption driven by artificial intelligence and digital innovation. He stressed that proactive institutional reform and national unity would be essential for Việt Nam to seize emerging opportunities.

Reaffirming the central role of the National Assembly as the embodiment of the people’s will, he called on deputies to uphold integrity, responsibility, and close engagement with voters. He emphasised that lawmakers must prioritise national interests and contribute to shaping policies that ensure long-term prosperity and stability.

Concluding his address, Tô Lâm expressed confidence that the 16th National Assembly would successfully fulfil its mandate, contributing to the vision of building a peaceful, independent, prosperous, and modern Việt Nam.