He stated that the Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defense have gradually restructured their organizational system to be more streamlined, efficient, and robust.

In line with administrative reforms at the provincial level, the Ministry of National Defense is reorganizing provincial-level military commands and dissolving district-level commands, replacing them with regional defense commands to maintain strong national defense.

Since 2018, the People’s Public Security Forces have undergone three rounds of restructuring, significantly reducing redundancies and improving operational efficiency. The Ministry of Public Security has also assumed new responsibilities, with no public security departments organized at the district level.

Citing the conclusions of Resolution 18, To Lam said the organizational streamlining process has been carried out with urgency and determination - “restructuring while moving forward,” “neither perfectionist nor hasty,” and always ensuring “continuity and improved performance over previous models.”

The effort, he added, has followed a scientific and methodical roadmap, aligned with Party principles and central leadership guidelines. It has been implemented comprehensively and humanely from top to bottom, following the principle: “The Central Committee sets the example, and local authorities follow.”

Comprehensive response to US tariff hike

On sustainable socio-economic development, the General Secretary stressed the importance of strengthening the healthcare sector and progressing toward free hospital care for every citizen.

He noted that Vietnam’s economy has enjoyed decades of continuous growth and is often among the fastest-growing economies in the region and the world.

Addressing the recent announcement that the United States may impose some of its highest tariffs on Vietnamese goods, To Lam reaffirmed that Vietnam, guided by the Party’s visionary leadership, has the resilience to overcome such unprecedented challenges.

The Central Committee has directed the Government and relevant ministries to immediately engage with US counterparts to find comprehensive solutions. Despite these challenges, Vietnam remains steadfast in achieving its growth targets.

He emphasized that the situation also presents an opportunity for Vietnam to pursue deeper, more decisive, and revolutionary reforms in economic governance and establish a “new growth model” for the nation.

Moving forward, the state-owned enterprise sector - particularly major economic corporations - will undergo further strengthening. Vietnam will pursue a targeted strategy to attract high-quality FDI, while private enterprise will continue to be a key driver of GDP growth, productivity, job creation, and local economic self-reliance.

There will also be a strong focus on developing strategic infrastructure - especially in transport, energy, and digital systems - and on launching initiatives to explore and utilize space, maritime, and underground resources to unlock new economic opportunities.

Scientific and technological innovation, along with national digital transformation, are not only inevitable trends but urgent needs, he said. These efforts will enable Vietnam to narrow the development gap with other countries, boost labor productivity, and improve quality of life for all social strata.

According to General Secretary To Lam, this is the “golden key” - a critical breakthrough and main driver for modernizing production forces, reforming national governance, and driving socio-economic development.

The 14th National Party Congress: A milestone for a new era

General Secretary To Lam announced that the 14th National Party Congress is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2026. This congress will mark the beginning of a new era for Vietnam - an era of prosperity in which all citizens enjoy a good life, with support to grow and thrive.

The goal is to build a successful socialist Vietnam that is wealthy, strong, democratic, fair, and civilized.

The Politburo has already reviewed draft reports, which will be discussed at the upcoming 11th Central Committee Plenum before being sent to grassroots Party organizations and the public for feedback.

He concluded by emphasizing that the entire Party, people, and armed forces must continue to strengthen unity, seize every opportunity, and make the most of all resources - especially domestic potential and human capital.

Tran Thuong