Hanoi (VNA) – France’s Le Monde journal has published an article noting that General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam has left a strong imprint by initiating far-reaching administrative reforms and modernising the Vietnamese economy, pledging to usher in a new era described as the “era of the nation’s rise”.
The article reported that at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 14th Party Central Committee unanimously re-elected To Lam as General Secretary, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Party and the nation towards the goal of becoming a prosperous and developed country by 2045.
At the heart of this strategy is the target of achieving 10% economic growth until 2030, marking the 100th founding anniversary of the CPV. This objective is to be realised through massive infrastructure projects, a large-scale technological push, and the rise of Vietnamese corporations with global stature on the international stage.
Le Monde quoted General Secretary Lam as telling congress delegates that Vietnam is committed to further improving the business environment in a more investor-friendly direction. By the end of 2026, Vietnam’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to surpass that of Thailand, positioning the country as ASEAN’s second-largest economy after Indonesia.
Speaking to Le Monde, Benoit de Tréglodé, a Vietnam specialist and Director for Africa–Asia–Middle East at the Institute for Strategic Research (IRSEM) under France’s Military School, noted that in 2025, the CPV adopted an important document - Resolution 68-NQ/TW on the private economic sector's development, which affirms the private sector as one of the most important driving forces of the national economy.
According to the French newspaper, the leadership apparatus of the CPV is undergoing modernisation and rejuvenation. The 14th National Party Congress approved the addition to the Politburo of a new generation of officials who did not experience war in their youth. Born in the 1970s, these officials were trained during the Doi Moi (Renewal) period that began in 1986./.
See more
Thailand cracks down on online scam and gambling networks
Thai authorities have intensified a crackdown on online scam and gambling networks, arresting a suspected ringleader and freezing assets worth billions of THB linked to transnational criminal activities.
Indonesia targets ending fuel imports within three years
In addition to electrifying power plants, the Indonesian government is promoting electric vehicles and the utilisation of other renewable energy sources. Solutions include processing palm oil and used cooking oil into aviation fuel to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Indonesia develops strategic chemical industry
Indonesia's first melamine plant in the Gresik Special Economic Zone is seen as a strategic step to boost the development of the country’s chemical industry and enhance domestic value creation.
Thailand launches cooking oil-for-fuel exchange campaign
The campaign, initiated by the Bangchak Corporation and titled “Fry to Fly – 2 litres for 1 litre”, runs from April 6 to 30 at participating service stations across Bangkok and nearby provinces.
Malaysia leads Southeast Asia in global investment appeal
The latest 2026 Global Opportunity Index (GOI) report by the Milken Institute ranked Malaysia 23rd globally, the highest among developing Southeast Asian economies, underpinned by strong institutional quality and solid economic fundamentals.
Singapore, Cambodia bolster food security cooperation
Singapore and Cambodia have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to enhance food security and promote bilateral rice trade amid growing uncertainties affecting global supply chains.
Myanmar announces formation of new government
The President’s Office of Myanmar on April 10 announced the formation of a new government comprising 30 ministries.
Indonesia warns Google over non-compliance with child protection rules
According to the results of an inspection conducted on April 7, YouTube has not fully fulfilled its obligations under Indonesian Government Regulation No. 17/2025 (PP Tunas), which took effect on March 28 and requires digital platforms to implement strict governance measures to protect underage users. The platform has also shown no indication of complying with the rules in the near future.
Laos inaugurates first int’l-standard specious mental refinery, advancing self-reliant economy
The refinery is the result of cooperation between the Lao Government and PTL Holding Co., Ltd., and is seen as a milestone in the country’s strategy to enhance macroeconomic stability and reduce reliance on external markets.
Malaysia reliant on Hormuz Strait for oil supply
Data from the Malaysian Finance Ministry shows that domestic oil consumption stands at about 700,000 barrels per day, nearly double Malaysia’s crude oil production of around 350,000 barrels daily.
Indonesia tightens control over oil, gas extraction
The move comes amid rising global oil prices, which have increased the urgency for Indonesia to strengthen energy reserves and optimise domestic supply.
Malaysia to tighten doping controls at 2027 SEA Games
The adoption of the World Anti-Doping Code aims to ensure that the 2027 SEA Games fully comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, thereby enhancing the transparency and international standing of the Games.
ASEAN+3 discusses measures to address economic impact of Middle East conflict
Participants called for swift and targeted fiscal support to address growing uncertainties and assist vulnerable groups, along with monetary policy responses and efforts to strengthen economic resilience.
Indonesia: 4.9-magitude quake damages over 100 houses, injures residents
The quake occurred just before midnight at a depth of about 10.4 km, with its epicentre located approximately 104 km east of Maumere city in East Nusa Tenggara province.
ASEAN, GRULAC strengthen multilateral cooperation
Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang emphasised the value of the dialogue mechanism in fostering coordination among developing countries, while highlighting the need to enhance transparency and improve the efficiency of resource allocation and utilisation across United Nations activities.
Malaysia steps up crackdown on fuel smuggling at sea
MMEA Director-General Maritime Admiral Mohd Rosli Abdullah said the agency is ready to lead maritime efforts to curb leakage and the smuggling of subsidised diesel.
Indonesia boosts energy security with B50 biofuel
The planned transition to B50 forms part of President Prabowo Subianto’s broader strategy to strengthen the economy’s resilience against global supply disruptions.
ASEAN senior officials meet ahead of 48th summit
At the meeting, participants reviewed the implementation of agreed commitments and cooperation priorities, preparations for the 48th ASEAN Summit scheduled for this May, and discussed measures to strengthen unity and cooperation amid an increasingly complex and challenging global environment.
Russian media: Vietnam’s leadership consolidation boosts governance efficiency
A series of Russian news agencies and television channels on April 7 widely reported on the decision, which they said reflects an important shift in Vietnam’s governance model toward greater consolidation of leadership and improved policy execution capacity.
South American media highlight Vietnam’s leadership restructuring for national development
Infobae noted that the consolidation of the top Party and State positions under a single leader marks a notable departure from previous arrangements, enabling greater coherence in leadership and governance.