In 2026, Vietnam will hold the 14th National Party Congress and elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

A prosperous Vietnam

Vietnam targets a double-digit GDP growth in 2026, with particular emphasis on the 10% mark. The National Assembly has approved a number of targets, including GDP per capita from 5,400 to 5,500 USD, the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing around 4.5%, and labor productivity growth of approximately 8.5%.

These targets are well-grounded on a sustained accumulation process, especially considering the notable achievements of 2025, which included GDP growth exceeding 8%, import-export turnover reaching a record 900 billion USD, the construction of over 3,000 kilometers of expressways, and the successful program to eliminate substandard housing.

Many provinces and cities have developed scenarios targeting double-digit GRDP growth, including Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Dong Nai, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

“We must build Ho Chi Minh City into a development locomotive and a growth pole for the entire country. Resolutions, programs, and mechanisms are now in place. Everything depends on our actions. We must make the most of time and act resolutely from the very beginning of the year, from the first projects, to inspire everyone to strive harder,” Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Tran Luu Quang said.

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Tran Luu Quang (Photo: VOV-Ho Chi Minh City)

The Politburo’s Resolution 68 on private economic development and the National Assembly’s Resolution 198 on special mechanisms and policies to promote the private sector will serve as an important catalyst, demonstrating strong alignment between the State and the business community in sustainable development.

Vietnam’s strength in 2026 also lies in transport, digital and institutional infrastructure. Party General Secretary To Lam said at a conference reviewing the 2025 performance of the Central Steering Committee on science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation, and outlining key tasks for 2026.

It’s necessary to concentrate resources on strategic technologies and product commercialization, promote science, technology, and innovation through close linkages among the State, universities, and enterprises to form innovation ecosystems, focusing on high-tech parks, innovation centers, smart urban areas, and experimental spaces, he noted.

“The State must play a facilitating role, remove barriers, and be the first to place orders for tech products and solutions, thereby creating an initial market for research outcomes,” said Mr. Lam.

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at a conference of the Central Steering Committee on science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation. (Photo: Van Hieu/VOV)

Confidence and responsibility

2026 also presents Vietnam with significant challenges, such as pressure for institutional reform; the need to improve labor productivity, human resource quality, and innovation capacity; and the development gap between regions, and between urban and rural areas.

The 14th National Party Congress and the elections of the 16th National Assembly, and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term carry special significance. The Party Congress will review past achievements and shape orientation path for future development. The National Assembly election is a political event in which the people place their trust in their legislative representatives.

Under the guiding light of Ho Chi Minh’s Thought and the Party’s leadership, the Vietnamese people will undoubtedly continue to advance strongly, successfully building an independent, free, happy, prosperous, and civilized country, with a growing role in the international community.