Vietnam 14th National Congress: To Lam's Power Play and the 2045 Vision

Vietnam's political future is being rewritten this week. Starting January 19, 2026, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) is holding its 14th National Congress in Hanoi. Nearly 2,000 delegates have gathered to select the leadership that'll guide the nation for the next five years. While official statements emphasize unity, the air is thick with rumors of a major shift in the country's top-tier power structure.

Vietnam 14th National Congress: The Quest for the 'Big Five'

The focus is squarely on who'll secure the 'Big Five' positions, especially the CPV Secretary-General. According to Bloomberg, there's strong backing for To Lam to retain his position and potentially maintain a dual role as State President, a move mirroring China's governance model. However, age-based retirement rules pose a challenge.

At 68 years old, To Lam and President Luong Cuong are technically past the retirement age, along with PM Pham Minh Chinh (67). Conversely, Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, aged 65, remains eligible. Insiders suggest Giang could be appointed State President if the party decides on a leadership shakeup to ensure continuity.

Economic Ambitions: The Path to 2045

Beyond the personnel drama, the Congress is set to approve a roadmap for Vietnam to become a developed nation by 2045. The draft report targets double-digit annual growth, building on a stellar 2025 performance where foreign trade hit $930 billion.

Vietnam's ascent from a lower-middle-income country to its current status as a global supply chain hub is undeniable. With a poverty rate of just 1.3% and a diplomatic network of 195 countries, the new leadership faces the daunting task of sustaining this momentum amidst global volatility.