1. Major decisions were made by 13th National Party Congress midterm

At its May plenum the Party Central Committee drew five lessons; proposed five key tasks in the second half of its 13th term; held votes of confidence for Politburo and Secretariat members; and made a comprehensive and objective assessment of its achievements. At its October plenum, the Party Central Committee promulgated four major Resolutions; and reviewed and gave opinions on the planning of the Party Central Committee for the 2026-2031 term.

These two important plenums in the pivotal year of implementing the 13th National Party Congress Resolution affirmed the steady and wise leadership and direction of the Party Central Committee, Politburo, Secretariat, Party Committees, and Party organizations at all levels. They helped promptly and effectively handle newly arising problems so that the entire political system is determined and strives to successfully fulfill the development tasks and goals set by the 13th National Party Congress.

2. Foreign affairs underpinned Vietnam's stature and reputation

The hallmarks of Vietnam's foreign affairs were State visits to Vietnam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, President of the US Joe Biden, and many other senior foreign leaders, as well as official visits by Vietnamese Party and State leaders to many countries. In 2023 Vietnam and China agreed to build a Vietnam-China Community with a Shared Future. Vietnam upgraded its relations with the US and Japan to Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, and elevated relations with 30 other countries, including five permanent members of the UN Security Council, to Comprehensive Partnerships, Strategic Partnerships, or Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s book entitled “Building and developing a comprehensive, modern Vietnamese foreign policy and diplomacy imbued with ‘Vietnamese bamboo’ identity” was released, providing an important theoretical foundation for the Party's consistent and overarching ideology for Vietnam's foreign policy and diplomacy.

The success of foreign affairs activities in 2023 has concretized the foreign policy of the 13th National Party Congress, contributing to creating and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development and elevating Vietnam’s national posture and reputation.

3. Power control mechanism fine-tuned; anti-corruption effort strengthened

In 2023 the Politburo promulgated multiple regulations on power control; preventing and fighting corruption and misconduct in personnel work; investigation, prosecution, and enforcement of judgments; oversight and enforcement of Party discipline; and inspection and audit activities. These regulations imposed stricter power controls on officials and Party members, especially the leaders.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s newly released book “Resolutely and persistently fighting against corruption and negativity, contributing to building a cleaner and stronger Party and State” helped to clarify the Party's theoretical thinking on anti-corruption and Party building and rectification.

Investigation expanded to phase 2 in the case involving Viet A Company; the cases involving the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the FLC Group, Tan Hoang Minh, and the AIC Company Ecosystem; and other cases involving SCB Bank, the Van Thinh Phat Group, and An Dong Company. Dealing with many defendants who were high-ranking officials, incumbent or retired, on a basis of "no forbidden zones", "no exceptions", and "no matter who it is" strengthened public trust in the Party and State.

4. Vietnam's economy grew stably in an unstable world

Major goals for 2023 were achieved, the macroeconomy was basically stable, GDP grew over 5% and balances were maintained. Uniform and aggressive fiscal and monetary policies were carried out at the greatest level ever to support socio-economic recovery and development. Mechanisms and policies were finalized to improve the investment and business environment. Exchange rates and prices of essential goods were stabilized. Financial, land, construction, and real estate market woes were eased.

Although the growth target was not achieved, there was a strenuous effort against economic "headwinds".

5. Transportation infrastructure breakthroughs created momentum to speed up development

Vietnam made great efforts to overcome mechanism and policy difficulties and achieved breakthroughs in major infrastructure projects. Construction began on the Long Thanh airport terminal and runway. 700 km of roads were built, increasing the total length of operating expressways to 1,852 km. Other transportation projects with a total public investment of nearly 3.9 billion USD were completed, eliminating traffic bottlenecks, boosting regional connectivity, and accelerating socio-economic development.

Following the dynamic direction of the Government, Vietnam’s ministries, sectors, and localities made major mindset changes, demonstrated creativity, streamlined administrative procedures, showed greater responsibility, and ensured work progress.

6. 80th anniversary of Outline of Vietnamese Culture was celebrated

80 years after its inception, the Outline of Vietnamese Culture and its three principles which shape Vietnam's revolutionary culture – nation, science, and the masses –  has retained its profound theoretical relevance and continues to light the way for national construction and defense.

Activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Outline of Vietnamese Culture conveyed meaningful messages about its historical and practical importance in making culture the spiritual foundation, internal strength, and driving force of national development and defense as defined by the 13th National Party Congress Resolution.

7. Fires had severe effects

Some 2,000 fires and explosions reported in 2023 killed 150 people and caused heavy damage. An apartment fire that occurred on September 12 in Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi, left 56 dead and 37 injured.

These tragic numbers pointed a finger at fire prevention shortcomings, including lax management which allowed the construction of illegal projects and a failure to enforce fire safety rules. Inspections were not strict, leading to chronic violations. The public’s awareness of fire safety procedures needs drastic improvement.