Ung Quoc Hung, Chief Engineer at France’s Setec Nucléaire group and Vice Chairman of the network of overseas Vietnamese nuclear energy experts (VietNuc). Photo: VNA  

The 14th National Party Congress is expected not only to define Vietnam’s internal development orientations but also to position the country in a rapidly changing and unpredictable international environment, thereby consolidating national standing, strengthening strategic autonomy and promoting selective international integration.

Talking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Paris ahead of the congress, Dr Ung Quoc Hung, Chief Engineer at France’s Setec Nucléaire group and Vice Chairman of the network of overseas Vietnamese nuclear energy experts (VietNuc), said the congress carries particular significance as Vietnam enters a new development phase amid complex global and regional situation.

He stressed that strategic orientations should build on the achievements of nearly four decades of Doi moi (Renewal), while placing stronger emphasis on sustainable development driven by science and technology, green transition promotion, and strategic autonomy enhancement.

According to Hung, key expectations include building a clean, strong and capable leadership contingent; reforming the growth model to improve competitiveness and innovation capacity; pursuing sustainable development goals and carbon neutrality targets in line with international commitments; accelerating institutional reform to improve national governance; creating a more favourable environment for investment and international cooperation; and developing high-quality human resources.

Reflecting on major historical milestones, Hung highlighted the sixth National Party Congress in 1986 as a turning point that launched the Doi moi policy and marked a fundamental change in leadership and governance mindset, transitioning the economy from a centrally planned model to a socialist-oriented market economy. That laid a solid foundation for international cooperation, foreign investment attraction, export expansion, and deeper integration into the regional and global economy.

Vietnam’s integration was marked by milestones such as the development of economic and industrial zones from the late 1980s, accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1995, and full membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2007. These steps, Hung said, have helped sustain stable growth for many consecutive years and enhanced Vietnam’s international standing as a dynamic, open, peace-loving and responsible nation.

Domestically, a series of landmark policies and projects have reshaped the socio-economic landscape. From agricultural reforms under Politburo Resolution 10, known as “Khoan 10” (Contract 20), and poverty reduction programmes to major infrastructure projects such as Thang Long Bridge, Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, the North – South 500kV power transmission line and the Ho Chi Minh Highway, these achievements demonstrate Vietnam’s will, wisdom, and determination in industrialisation and modernisation.

Hung also highlighted overseas training initiatives such as Programmes 322 and 911, implemented in the 1990s and 2000s, describing them as forward-looking policies that helped form a intellectual and expert community capable of integrating into the world, many of whom have continued to contribute to national development.

From the perspective of the overseas Vietnamese (OVs) community, he said OVs have grown significantly in expertise, experience and networks of international relations, forming a valuable “extended arm” of the nation, particularly as science – technology and innovation are identified as a key driver of growth.

As Vietnam continues to strengthen its capacity in education, infrastructure and governance, it is creating an increasingly trustworthy environment for OVs and international experts to contribute in a substantive and long-term manner, Hung concluded./.