Overview
- In a live-broadcast opening address, To Lam said the party is determined to fight corruption and highlighted the private sector’s role in the economy.
- Roughly 1,500–1,600 delegates convened in Hanoi for the five-yearly gathering, which is scheduled to run through January 25.
- He is widely expected to be confirmed as general secretary, with final decisions on leadership roles to be announced after internal deliberations.
- Reporting based on anonymous sources indicates he may seek to hold both party chief and state presidency, a consolidation not yet confirmed.
- Since taking over in 2024, To Lam has driven civil-service cuts and agency reductions, accelerated infrastructure and investment, and overseen roughly 8% GDP growth in 2025, though his sway will hinge on Politburo appointments, including those tied to a conservative military faction.