After the 14th National Party Congress, Vietnam has moved to a new plateau with  its motto of “say less, do more, and follow through to the end.” Secretary-General To  Lam of the Communist Party of Vietnam wants to accelerate economic development  in the coming years

Lam was unanimously elected, receiving 180 of 180 votes. He made his presence felt  through a high-profile crackdown on corruption prior to his ascension. He has also  made it clear that the future of Vietnam will depend on economic growth and  innovation.

During the Congress, he declared confidently that his country is expected to achieve  an annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 10 percent or more,  equivalent to an annual per capita income of US$8,500 by 2030. This would mean  that Vietnam will become an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high income country by 2045.

To maintain the post-Congress momentum, Vietnam’s first Law on Artificial  Intelligence officially took effect on March 1. It became the first country in ASEAN  with a comprehensive AI regulatory framework. The law adopts a risk-based  approach, focusing on security, human oversight, and alignment with international  standards. Currently, Vietnam is positioning AI and data as core pillars of its 2026  economic strategy. The government has already increased the budget to promote  innovation and digital transformation.

Within the next five years, the country aims to become a regional AI hub for research  and development. The new law also aligns with the country’s rapid shift from a  software outsourcing hub to a key player in the AI value chain. Furthermore, to pave the way for future generations in an AI-driven Vietnam, a pilot program in Ho Chi Minh City has introduced AI education in approximately 170 schools.

The most notable outcome of the Congress was Hanoi’s intention to advance comprehensive diplomacy amid a polarized global geopolitical landscape. Lam has advocated foreign policy as a vital task for national development and as one of the country’s top priorities. As such, the long-practiced “bamboo diplomacy” will become more robust and multi-aligned, increasing its influence in the Indo-Pacific  region and beyond. In a recent speech, he also described Vietnam’s recent participation on the Board of Peace in Washington as a founding member as an  example of the country’s proactive diplomacy.

After three decades of ASEAN membership, Vietnam has become a regional player and driving force, having integrated well into both the regional and global economies. It is also promoting measures to bridge the gap between the older and newer ASEAN members.