To Lam Outlines Vietnam's Tech and Trade Goals in New York

General Secretary and President To Lam conducted a series of high-level diplomatic and strategic engagements in New York from September 21 to 22, 2026, during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. He outlined a national development model driven by science and innovation, targeting an average annual GDP growth of over 10% through 2030 to reach high-income status by 2045.

To address technological gaps, To Lam met with Vietnamese intellectuals and experts in AI and healthcare, acknowledging that Vietnam lacks mastery of core technologies. He directed the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Science and Technology, and Education and Training to create mechanisms for overseas experts to contribute to national policy and research.

On the international stage, To Lam sought to elevate bilateral relations with Türkiye to a Strategic Partnership, proposing a trade goal of US$4 billion and expanded cooperation in defense and logistics. In a Bloomberg TV interview and a speech at the Foreign Policy Association, he identified the United States as a top strategic partner. He called for deeper cooperation in semiconductor engineering and AI, while requesting US support for dioxin cleanup and the recovery of martyrs' remains.

During his address at the Foreign Policy Association, To Lam received the FPA Medal for his contributions to internationalism. He advocated for a foreign policy of independence and multilateralism, emphasizing the need for global governance frameworks that respect digital sovereignty.