The Vietnamese official presented a policy speech to faculty members, educators, academic researchers, students and supporters of Vietnam at Oxford University during the afternoon of October 28 (local time) while conducting his formal state visit to Britain.
The official stressed that Vietnam does not seek adversarial or conflict-driven growth, instead favoring equitable discussions, adherence to international legal frameworks, and reciprocal advantages.
National sovereignty should be established not through force or intimidation, but through mutual recognition, accords that support shared principles, and the distribution of collective benefits. This methodology, he observed, has allowed Vietnam to preserve political and social equilibrium while proactively participating in the worldwide economy, becoming part of next-generation trade agreements, and broadening international collaborations, including those with Britain.
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When discussing Vietnam's developmental outlook for the coming era, General Secretary Lam highlighted that scientific advancement, technological progress, innovation, digital modernization and knowledge-based economics will serve as the primary catalysts for expansion.
Vietnam is advancing a comprehensive digital modernization initiative, cultivating an environmentally sustainable, circular and reduced-carbon economy, and treating innovation as the essential foundation of competitive advantage and adaptability. He emphasized that Vietnam continues to enhance its market-based socialist economy, which functions according to market mechanisms, promotes equitable competition, recognizes private businesses as a crucial growth catalyst, while maintaining the socialist constitutional state's leadership and oversight function under Communist Party of Vietnam guidance to guarantee advancement and social equity.
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Vietnam considers the private sector to be the primary catalyst for boosting economic development, while viewing the state-owned sector as the principal force that maintains macroeconomic stability and ensures security in economics, energy, and food supply.
Additionally, Vietnam sees a law-based state, combined with governmental integrity and efforts to combat corruption, waste, and special interests, as fundamental requirements for building public confidence, guaranteeing effective distribution of societal resources, and allowing all citizens to equitably benefit from developmental progress, according to his statement.
The General Secretary confirmed Vietnam's dual strategic goals: achieving status as a developing nation with modern industry and upper-middle income levels by 2030, and transforming into a developed, high-income country featuring a modern economy, progressive society, elevated living standards, and appropriate international standing by 2045.
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Concerning Vietnam-UK bilateral ties, he expressed that Vietnam perceives the UK as more than just a partner in commerce, education, and science-technology, but rather as a long-term strategic ally in establishing cooperation frameworks for the 21st century. He emphasized that this partnership is founded on mutual interests in preserving peace and stability, upholding international law, ensuring maritime freedom, maintaining robust supply chains, promoting equitable trade and sustainable development, along with collaborative climate action and environmentally sustainable growth initiatives.