Vietnam's 16th National Assembly opens the first session in a solemn ceremony

Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly opened its First Session on the morning of April 6 in the Dien Hong Hall of the National Assembly Building, marking the start of a new term and setting out a foundation for a new phase of national development.

The opening ceremony was attended by General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, and other Party and State leaders. Delegates to the National Assembly also attended, along with representatives from provinces and centrally-run cities, ministries, sectors, and organizations, as well as diplomats and international representatives in Hanoi.

Successful elections for the 2026–2031 term

In his opening remarks, Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term had been successful. He attributed the outcome to careful preparation, thorough organization, professional procedures, and broad support and consensus from voters and people nationwide.

He said the results, together with the very successful 14th Party Congress and the second plenary meeting of the 14th Party Central Committee, reaffirmed public trust in the Party and the State and helped enhance Vietnam’s image and prestige internationally.

Parliamentary priorities and reform agenda

On behalf of newly elected deputies, Chairman Tran Thanh Man expressed gratitude to voters and the people, former leaders of the Party and State, the Vietnam Fatherland Front (MTTQ), and previous National Assembly deputies. He said that despite difficulties and challenges, the National Assembly has continued to pursue reforms in lawmaking, promote science and technology, innovation, the “digital Parliament,” and artificial intelligence.

He also highlighted the National Assembly’s role in institutional development, addressing bottlenecks, and unlocking resources for development, alongside strengthening the effectiveness of supreme oversight and decisions on major national matters, as well as parliamentary diplomacy.

Economic and social achievements cited

Chairman Tran Thanh Man noted that after 40 years of renewal, Vietnam has achieved multiple important results, including sustained high economic growth. He cited that the economy’s size reached USD 514 billion, ranking 32nd globally, and that the five-year average growth rate in recent years was about 6.2% per year, with 2025 growth at 8.02%.

He said per capita income has surpassed USD 5,000 and multidimensional poverty has fallen to about 1.3%. He also referenced deep integration into the global economy, solid defense and security, and continued improvements in living standards.

Legislative and oversight agenda for 2027

The National Assembly will consider and pass eight laws and one resolution on the legal framework for governance and the National Assembly’s supervision program for 2027. The session will also include a resolution on establishing a specialized supervisory delegation.

In addition, the session will review the Government’s work and the mid-term plan for 2026–2030, including public debt management and capital investments.

Impact and expectations for the new term

Chairman Tran Thanh Man said Vietnam is at a historic turning point and that the responsibility of the National Assembly and every deputy is heavy but “glorious.” He urged deputies to serve as outstanding representatives of intellect, courage, ethics, and public service, prioritizing national interests and the people, and upholding the 80-year tradition of the Vietnamese Parliament.

The opening ceremony also featured a speech by General Secretary To Lam, providing strategic direction for the National Assembly’s work in the near future.