Trust: The Cornerstone of Progress in Vietnam
By Pham Duc Son
Editor-in-chief of The Investor
Published on: Tue, February 17, 2026 | 11:09 am GMT+7
“Trust is more precious than gold” — an age-old proverb passed down by Vietnamese forebears, yet one that remains ever relevant in the new era.
Figure: A view of the opening session of Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News Agency.
The recent 14th National Party Congress highlighted an essential benchmark for assessing the performance of Party organizations and the political system: prioritizing the happiness and satisfaction of the people. This focus underlines a shift towards citizen-centered governance, paving the way for a more engaged and trusting relationship between the government and its citizens.
Taking Implementation as the Yardstick
The Congress documentation emphasizes the critical phase of implementation. Party General Secretary To Lam articulated that “many sound policies and decisions will still ‘remain on paper’ if implementation is slow, ineffective, or distorted.” This assertion is vital as it echoes the frustrations felt by both citizens and officials when well-intended policies falter due to lax execution.
A focus on actionable frameworks is necessary. The Congress brought forth designs for action programs, mechanisms for inspection, and supervision practices that will ensure effectiveness. Public feedback and metrics will act as guiding lights in policy adjustments and accountability.
This commitment to action-oriented resolutions aims to minimize the gap between policy creation and effective delivery. Overcoming historical weaknesses, such as sluggish implementation, is imperative to restoring public trust.
Beneficial outcomes necessitate that every Party committee, organization, and member transitions from “correct awareness” to “effective implementation” — a transformation that must be manifest at all levels of governance.
Identifying Persistent Problems
The Congress accurately pointed out entrenched issues that plague Vietnam’s governance. Problems such as “laws are sound but hard to enforce,” and “sound decisions but slow implementation” highlight a significant misalignment between intent and outcomes.
To Lam articulated a call for direct action against these failures, urging an elevation of accountability across all levels. The aim is to mitigate the well-known phenomenon of “talking much, doing little.”
Trust as a Catalyst for Change
The phrase “Say less, do more” resonated throughout the Congress. The importance of translating the “spirit of action” into practical results cannot be overstressed. This revitalized focus on trust acts as a power source, energizing both the public and the investor community.
Bruno Jaspaert, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), highlighted this resurgence in business confidence as a foundation for an upcoming growth cycle. The Business Confidence Index (BCI) recently surged to its highest level in seven years, signaling a marked shift from cautious recovery to robust confidence.
The Role of Public Trust
Fundamentally, trust must stem from deeds rather than words. To Lam emphasized that legitimacy stems from the integrity of officials, the effectiveness of governance, and the equitable distribution of benefits. When the government successfully protects the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens, public confidence will flourish.
The essence of this message resonates through the commitment to act in a transparent, accountable manner. Ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed crafts a more harmonious relationship between the government and its citizens.
A Vision for Unity and Responsibility
Under this commitment, there lies an underlying vision of unity. The Party calls for solidarity to safeguard trust, promote wisdom, and ignite aspiration for a brighter future. Only through consistent, tangible actions can the Congress fulfill its promise of positive change.
The adage “Trust is more precious than gold” encapsulates this ethos beautifully. In this new era, trust stands as both the bedrock and the beacon of progress in Vietnam.
By nurturing public confidence through resolute actions and maintaining transparency, Vietnam can unlock new potential, ensuring that every citizen reaps the benefits of its governance. As the country moves forward, it’s essential to remember that real change lies not in promises, but in deeds that create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.