The second plenary session of the Party Central Committee has defined a new vision for national development
Professor, Doctor Tran Hong Thai said that the 2nd Plenary Session adopted many strategic contents to promote economic development, science and technology, and to build a strong political system.
Professor, Doctor Tran Hong Thai (Photo: Government Electronic Newspaper)
- The 2nd plenary session of the 14th Party Central Committee has just concluded. Could you share your thoughts on the outstanding results, new viewpoints and new vision of this session?
President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Professor, Doctor Tran Hong Thai: After three days of urgent, serious and democratic working, the 2nd plenary session of the 14th tenure completed its entire agenda with many important contents. In my view, this session stands out in three main aspects.
First, the Session finalised fundamental regulations to ensure the effective leadership of the Party during the tenure, including the Working Regulations of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo and the Secretariat of the 14th tenure; the Resolution on enhancing the effectiveness of inspection, supervision and Party discipline; and the Resolution on strengthening the prevention and fight against corruption, wastefulness and negativity.
Second, the Session established long-term socio-economic development orientations, associated with the requirement for breakthroughs from the very beginning of the tenure, striving to achieve double-digit growth in the 2026-2030 period. Alongside the growth target, important orientations such as green transformation, strategic autonomy and improving national productivity were also emphasised. According to him, sustainable growth must be driven by science, technology and innovation.
Closing session of the 2nd Plenary Session of the 14th Party Central Committee. (Photo: Doan Tan/VNA)
Third, the Session introduced a new vision in organisational restructuring, in which the Central Committee agreed on the policy of transforming five major agencies, namely: Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam, the Vietnam News Agency, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, into public non-business units under the Party Central Committee. This decision shows that national media, social sciences and science and technology are identified as important pillars for national competitiveness and strength.
According to Professor, Doctor Tran Hong Thai, national strategic autonomy must be built on the foundation of autonomy in science and technology, which is also an important mission of the Academy in the new period.
- At this session, the Central Committee agreed on the policy of transforming five major agencies into public non-business units under the Party Central Committee. Could you elaborate on the significance of this decision?
Professor, Doctor Tran Hong Thai: This is a decision of historical significance, not only for the five agencies but also for the way the Party leads strategic sectors of the country.
The three national media agencies (Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam and Vietnam News Agency) are the core forces in orienting information and public opinion. Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences provides scientific arguments for social development policies, while Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology serves as the national foundation for research in natural sciences and technology.
Placing these agencies under the direct leadership of the Party reflects the viewpoint that science, media and social knowledge are important pillars of national strength in the new era.
General Secretary To Lam viewing archival photos marking 80 years of tradition of the Vietnam News Agency (15/9/1945 – 15/9/2025). (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)
According to Professor, Doctor Tran Hong Thai, this transformation also redefines the role of these agencies, not only in performing professional tasks but also in participating in strategic advisory work and providing arguments to serve the Party’s leadership. For Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, this is an important milestone when science and technology are identified as strategic national issues.
- In the coming time, what key tasks will Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology implement?
Professor, Doctor Tran Hong Thai: The Academy has defined its development roadmap in three phases.
In the next 1–3 years, priority will be given to bringing accumulated research results into practical application in order to contribute directly to economic growth, particularly in sectors such as textiles and garments, agriculture, forestry, mineral exploitation and processing, and new energy. The Academy will also focus on developing the forest economy associated with sustainable livelihoods for people and ensuring security in border areas.
In the 1–5 year period, the focus will be on mastering strategic technologies associated with Vietnam’s advantages such as space and remote sensing technologies, biotechnology, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, technologies serving agriculture and aquaculture, deep processing of minerals and the development of the marine economy. Vietnam National Space Centre is an example of the orientation to gradually master satellite technology to serve resource management, national defence and economic development.
In the 5–10 year vision and beyond, the Academy will increase investment in fundamental research to create a foundation for long-term scientific breakthroughs. The goal is that by 2045, Vietnamese science will not only absorb global knowledge but also contribute to the common body of knowledge of humanity.
- Sincerely thank you, Professor, Doctor Tran Hong Thai, for taking the time to grant this interview to Vietnam News Agency.
Translated by Tuyet Nhung
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