Ottawa (VNA) – Philip Fernandez, a member of the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist–Leninist), spoke highly of the significance, vision and major orientations of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), describing it as an important event not only for Vietnam’s socio-political life but also for the overseas Vietnamese (OV) community.
In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Ottawa on the occasion of the 96th founding anniversary of the CPV (February 3, 1930–2026) and the 14th National Party Congress, he noted that the congress achieved a high level of unity in thought and action across the Party, the State and society. It also demonstrated that Vietnam has fully prepared the necessary conditions and a clear action plan to enter a new era of development.
He highlighted Vietnam’s goal for 2045, marking the centenary of the country’s founding, to become a developed nation with a modern, high-tech economy and a civilised society that places people at the centre and ensures no one is left behind.
Praising the personnel work at the congress, Fernandez congratulated Party General Secretary To Lam on his re-election with absolute consensus. He said this reflects the Party’s and people’s firm confidence in the General Secretary’s strategic leadership capacity and extensive experience. The new Party Central Committee, with many new members, also demonstrates a spirit of renewal, vitality, dedication to national service and close bonds with the people.
Compared with previous congresses, Fernandez noted that the most important breakthrough of the 14th National Congress lies not only in its thorough preparation or the quality of personnel work, but also in the unprecedentedly broad participation of various social strata, including OVs, in discussions and the policy-formulation process. He said the Congress affirmed a historic awareness that the “era of the nation’s rise” is no longer a choice, but an objective necessity.
Looking back at the tenure of the 13th National Congress, Fernandez remarked that its greatest legacy was laying solid foundations for the next development stage, especially by promoting the human factor as the central element to overcome all challenges. He commended Vietnam’s achievements amid global turbulence, from the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions in the world economy to growing threats to international peace and stability.
According to him, Vietnam has effectively controlled the pandemic, improved people’s living standards, maintained independence and self-reliance, and made active contributions at the United Nations to promote peace and international security, while continuing to build a socialist-oriented market economy. These achievements provide a firm foundation for the country’s new development journey.
From these results, Fernandez drew two key lessons. First, the CPV has demonstrated its capacity to lead the country through a historic transition, continuing to realise President Ho Chi Minh’s aspiration for a peaceful, prosperous and happy Vietnam. Second, a ruling Party that relies on the wisdom, courage and creativity of the people, while applying independent thinking to address practical issues, will always find a way forward, even in the most difficult times.
Commenting on the development goals for 2026–2030 and the vision toward 2045 set out by the 14th National Party Congress, Fernandez described them as ambitious. He expressed confidence that with its tradition of resilience, national unity and the CPV’s leadership, Vietnam will achieve these objectives, continuing to gain consensus and support from the international community./.
