The strong momentum from the private economic sector is placing new demands on state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to undergo substantive transformation in order to affirm their role as a pillar of the national economy. This role should not rely solely on capital scale and asset size, but must be established through the capacity to lead in core technologies, innovation, and modern governance standards.

The Politburo's Resolution No. 79-NQ/TW, issued on January 6, 2026, represents a major shift in the Party’s approach to the state economic sector, as it for the first time comprehensively and systematically defines the scope and substance of the state economic sector in a dedicated resolution, clearly affirming its role and expanding its sphere.