Vietnam's Communist Party opens National Congress

HANOI — The Communist Party of Vietnam opened its 14th National Congress at the National Convention Center in the capital city of Hanoi on Tuesday morning.

A total of 1,586 delegates, representing over 5.6 million members of the CPV, are gathering at the congress.

The delegates will discuss and adopt various documents, including the political report of the 13th Party Central Committee, as well as a report reviewing theoretical and practical issues of Vietnam's socialist-oriented renewal process over the past 40 years.

State President Luong Cuong delivered an opening speech at the session, while General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam presented a report on the documents submitted to the congress.

The preparatory session of the congress held on Monday approved its working regulations, agenda, and election regulations.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message on the convening of the 14th National Congress of the CPV.

The CPV is the strong leadership core of the Vietnamese people and the cause of socialism in Vietnam. Since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, the Central Committee of the CPV has united and led the Vietnamese people in making remarkable achievements in advancing socialist construction and reform, read the message.

Amid complex international situations, Vietnam has maintained political and social stability, experienced rapid and sustainable economic development, and seen its international status rise steadily, it said.

The message added that these accomplishments have demonstrated the advantages of the communist party leadership and the socialist system, and have made positive contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and the world.

The weeklong event will select the party chief and set economic goals up to 2030.

On Tuesday, Lam pledged annual economic growth of more than 10 percent for the remainder of the decade despite global disruptions, as he addressed delegates.

The congress is taking place amid "many overlapping difficulties and challenges, from natural disasters, storms and floods to epidemics, security risks, fierce strategic competition, and major disruptions in energy and food supply chains," Lam told delegates at the start of his speech.

Lam, also the former head of state security, promised to further reform the public administration.

Lam, 68, said Vietnam was also determined to cut red tape and expand global trade to ensure the country's independence and national interests were protected.

The 20 percent tariffs imposed on Vietnam in August by the US administration have not prevented Vietnamese exports to the United States from growing, leading to a record trade surplus with Washington.

However, the country is seeking to boost trade ties with other partners, with the impact of US duties likely to be felt over the coming months.

"Infrastructure must be developed to adapt to climate change and ensure strong regional, interregional, and global connectivity," Lam also said.

Xinhua - Agencies