At the first meeting of the Government’s Steering Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Project 06, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that government agencies must shift from merely handling administrative work to actively serving citizens and businesses.

The Prime Minister set an ambitious economic target of at least 8% GDP growth in 2025 and aims for double-digit growth in the coming years.

He stressed that Vietnam cannot maintain average growth rates and still meet its long-term goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045.

To achieve this, Vietnam will prioritize breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Following the issuance of Resolution 57, the Politburo has dispatched teams to monitor and assist in implementation, resolve bottlenecks, and accelerate progress.

Key reforms for innovation and economic growth

Prime Minister Chinh highlighted three priority areas: policy reform, infrastructure investment, and workforce development. He emphasized that addressing institutional barriers is the key breakthrough, referring to the current legal framework as "a jungle of procedures" that must be simplified.

He instructed the Ministry of Science and Technology and other relevant agencies to review outdated regulations and submit comprehensive legal amendments to the National Assembly.

The government will allocate at least 3% of the 2025 national budget to science and technology, including 10 trillion VND ($400 million) from surplus revenues.

This funding will be directed toward research and development, innovation projects, and digital infrastructure, while ensuring transparency and accountability to prevent waste and corruption.

In addition, the government will implement diverse training programs to equip Vietnam’s workforce with skills suited to technological and industrial advancements.

Public administration reforms will include a mandate to reduce administrative procedures and compliance costs by at least 30%, alongside a push for greater decentralization and delegation of authority.

The Prime Minister outlined a results-driven approach, insisting that all policy changes must answer key questions:

Do they align with the Party’s strategic vision?
Do they remove institutional bottlenecks?
Have administrative burdens been reduced by at least 30%?
Have powers been decentralized to the maximum extent possible?

He emphasized a five-point accountability framework, requiring agencies to clearly define responsibilities, timelines, and expected outcomes.

He also reiterated "Three Dos and Two Don’ts" - every policy must benefit the nation, serve the people, and support businesses, while avoiding personal gain, corruption, and public asset mismanagement.

"Government agencies must shift from merely processing tasks to actively serving citizens and businesses," the Prime Minister stated.

With a "catch up, keep pace, and surpass" mindset, Vietnam’s leadership aims to accelerate digital transformation, administrative reforms, and technological advancements to build a wealthy, civilized, and prosperous nation where citizens can fully enjoy economic progress.

Quang Phong