0-4064x3048-0-0-{}-0-12#
By Gabriel Ameh
Vietnam is set to convene its 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) between January 19 and 25, a landmark political event widely regarded as the most important decision-making forum in the country, with far-reaching implications for Vietnam’s governance framework, economic trajectory and international partnerships over the next five years.
The development formed the focus of a media interview programme organised by the Vietnam Embassy in Nigeria, where Nigerian policy and economic experts shared insights on the significance of the congress and its broader implications for Nigeria–Vietnam relations.
Speaking during the programme, former Nigerian Ambassador and Chairman of the Nigeria–Vietnam Economic, Trade and Cultural Association (NVETCA), Ambassador Sani Bako, described the congress as the highest political gathering in Vietnam, bringing together about 1,600 elected delegates from across the country.
According to Ambassador Bako, the delegates will converge in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, to deliberate on national priorities, review past policies and chart the country’s political and economic direction for the next five years.
He explained that a major responsibility of the congress is the election of members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, a body comprising about 200 members, which plays a critical role in shaping Vietnam’s policy direction.
“The Central Committee will, in turn, elect members of the Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the Communist Party and the top political organ in Vietnam’s political system,” Ambassador Bako said, noting that the Politburo typically consists of between 17 and 19 members.
From this body, he added, emerges the Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who occupies a central position in guiding the country’s political direction.
“The Secretary-General remains the most influential figure within Vietnam’s political system. While the President and Prime Minister play prominent roles in international diplomacy, internal governance and strategic direction are largely driven by the leadership of the Communist Party,” he stated.
Ambassador Bako stressed that expectations ahead of the congress point to policy continuity, noting that the Communist Party of Vietnam is expected to sustain and strengthen its existing policies and development guidelines.
“Expectations ahead of the congress indicate that the Communist Party of Vietnam will continue to pursue strong and consistent policies, ensuring continuity while driving Vietnam’s political and economic development more vigorously in the coming period,” he said.
Providing an economic assessment, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, Global Head and National Coordinator of the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH) and Vice Chairman of NVETCA, said the 14th National Congress will also review the outcomes of the 13th National Congress, which covered the period from 2021 to 2026.
Dr. Igwe noted that Vietnam recorded significant economic and social progress during the period, supported by consistent policy implementation and strong private sector participation.
“Over the past five years, Vietnam has built a robust economy with a GDP estimated at about $510 billion, maintained an average 6.3 percent annual growth rate, and improved its Human Development Index to 0.76,” he said.
He added that GDP per capita currently stands at nearly $5,000, reflecting steady improvements in living standards and economic inclusion.
According to Dr. Igwe, expectations from the upcoming congress are even more ambitious, with Vietnam targeting GDP growth of up to 10 percent, an increase in GDP per capita to about $8,500, and further improvement of the Human Development Index to approximately 0.78.
“These targets are expected to be driven by increased investment in infrastructure, expansion of private sector participation, and the strengthening of a socialist-oriented market economy that balances state coordination with enterprise-led growth,” he explained.
The experts agreed that outcomes of the 14th Communist Party Congress will not only shape Vietnam’s domestic development agenda but will also influence its foreign economic engagements, including relations with Nigeria, particularly in areas of trade, investment, industrial cooperation and knowledge exchange
