French media described the Congress as a major political event to review Viet Nam’s development achievements after 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal) and to review the development achievements towards the 100th anniversary of the Party’s founding in 2030.
An article published in L’Humanité on January 23 noted that after decades of rising above numerous difficulties and challenges, Viet Nam continues to build on its achievements in line with the established development orientation, moving towards a 2030 vision based on innovation while promoting a market economy.
After 40 years of Doi Moi, Viet Nam has achieved an impressive “boost”, becoming one of the 40 countries with the highest GDP growth in 2025, with GDP reaching 510 billion USD. Average annual income per capita rose to around 5,000 USD. The poverty rate declined to just 1.3%, and 95.2% of Viet Nam’s population enjoy full health insurance coverage.
The article also cited the vision and development orientation set out in the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress: strategic autonomy, self-reliance, and steadfast progress towards socialism. Over the next five years, the Communist Party of Viet Nam’s policy priorities are innovation, digital technology, and artificial intelligence, with expectations of achieving a strong technological transformation.
Amid complex and unpredictable international developments, L’Humanité spoke highly of Viet Nam’s “bamboo diplomacy”, which has enhanced the country’s role and standing on the international stage.
L’Humanité further highlighted the Communist Party of Viet Nam’s goal of achieving even greater “breakthroughs” in the coming period, particularly growth of 10% or higher. The Congress also adopted a Resolution to accelerate the development of a modern socialist-oriented market economy with international integration.
The newspaper also noted the steadfast commitment of the Communist Party of Viet Nam to the path of building socialism towards stability and sustainable development.
One of the focal points covered by French media outlets including Le Figaro, L’Union, and France24 was the outcome of the high-level personnel elections at the Congress. The 14th Party Central Committee unanimously elected To Lam to continue serving as General Secretary of the 14th Party Central Committee, with 180 out of 180 full members in favour.
At the Congress, Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Viet Nam would elevate foreign affairs to the same level as defence and security, with a view to seeking new strategic partners and firmly safeguarding independence and territorial sovereignty amid intense competition among major powers.
French media also praised Viet Nam’s recent efforts in administrative reform and anti-corruption, which have helped strengthen unity and the Party’s leadership in the face of new challenges of the times. The Communist Party of Viet Nam’s determination to renew has received strong support from the people.
France24 noted that Viet Nam’s leadership clearly recognises the need to elevate defence and security diplomacy, combining the building of friendly relations with the strengthening of military capacity to safeguard the country’s independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Temoignages, a news site based on Reunion Island, a French overseas territory, commented that amid complex and unpredictable global developments, Viet Nam has pursued an appropriate course and will continue to develop.
French media also reflected the Communist Party of Viet Nam’s priority on building and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity, and enhancing the country’s influence and prestige internationally through distinctive cultural values.
