Vietnam CP to Introduce New Regulations on Party Members in Private Economy

General Secretary and President To Lam has directed the development of new regulations for Party members participating in private economic activities, emphasizing that they must uphold exemplary conduct and avoid creating business privileges. Speaking at a meeting with the Central Committee for Policy and Strategy on September 14 regarding the draft of these new regulations, To Lam affirmed that this initiative is a result of the Party's ideological renewal, practical summation, and theoretical development. The new regulations must inherit valuable existing principles and address emerging issues concerning ownership, production organization, distribution, and the responsibilities of Party members within the socialist-oriented market economy. The General Secretary and President stressed the need to affirm the right of Party members to engage in legal economic activities, linked to their legal status, duties, and specific obligations. "Party membership demands a higher standard of exemplary responsibility, not the creation of business privileges," he stated, cautioning that all support policies must be based on criteria of transparency and equality, ensuring businesses are not discriminated against based on whether their owners are Party members. He further emphasized that the working-class nature and the goal of serving the people must be reflected in the practical activities of Party members, including the origin of their assets, their business organization methods, their treatment of labor, and their use of development achievements. Party members with capabilities are encouraged to lead in technological innovation, productivity enhancement, building Vietnamese brands, and developing sustainable enterprises. The new regulations for Party members in the economy in this new era must be concise, with clear principles, subjects, limitations, responsibilities, and authorities. Direct provisions defining the scope of what can and cannot be done should also be clearly stated. General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized the need to delineate rights and limitations for different groups of Party members: those outside the public sector; incumbent officials and civil servants; public employees; Party members in the People's Army and People's Police; leaders of state-owned enterprises and representatives of state capital; and those who have retired or ceased working. "Effectively controlling conflicts of interest and protecting legal economic activities is crucial," he said. The new regulations should enhance the quality of Party building in the private economic sector, fostering Party members from among exemplary entrepreneurs, while also focusing on skilled workers, engineers, scientists, and outstanding laborers. "The motivations for striving, qualities, reputation, and the process of self-cultivation must be genuinely assessed, avoiding a focus on quantity or using sponsorship capabilities as a basis for Party admission," he advised. Simultaneously, Party organizations must play their role as political nuclei, educating and supervising Party members, and contributing to building progressive labor relations. Coordination mechanisms must clearly define the powers of Party organizations, owners, and management bodies, ensuring they do not encroach on each other's functions. According to the head of the Party and State, evaluating Party members engaged in economic activities must prioritize productivity, innovation, tax obligations, wages, insurance, labor safety, and environmental protection. Social responsibility must begin with those creating value alongside them, "and violations of obligations towards laborers cannot be compensated for by sponsorship or charity." General Secretary and President To Lam assigned the Central Committee for Policy and Strategy to lead the completion of the proposal, coordinate with the Central Organization Committee to clarify the grouping and management mechanisms for Party members, and collaborate with the Central Inspection Committee to finalize inspection and supervision mechanisms and responsibilities for handling violations. The Party Committee of the Government is responsible for leading the review of related laws and proposing a roadmap for institutionalization, coordinating with the Party Committee of the National Assembly on matters within the Assembly's authority. General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that the new regulations on Party members in the private economy should help Party members feel secure in their contributions and business operations in accordance with the law, enable Party organizations to effectively manage, instill confidence in the fairness and integrity of the system among citizens and businesses, leverage resources for development, and ultimately make the Party cleaner, stronger, and more closely connected to the people.