Lam vows faster growth as he seeks to extend his hold on VietnamListen to this articleVietnam's Communist Party General Secretary To Lam speaks during the 14th National Party Congress in Hanoi on Tuesday. Lam, a former head of state security, is seeking to retain his role as party chief and possibly take on ‌the state presidency. Lam, 68, said Vietnam needs to cut red tape and expand global trade to protect its independence and national interests. He has presided over a splurge in infrastructure projects, which have ​supported economic growth, though that has also raised concerns about favouritism and waste. As minister of ​public security, Lam - a lover of classical music - oversaw approval of a large new opera house, Hanoi's second, which ‍opened in 2023.

Source: Bangkok Post January 20, 2026 07:30 UTC