Vietnam's PM orders urgent action to accelerate stalled national programmes by 2026
The Prime Minister has issued Directive No. 22/CT-TTg to speed up progress on the National Target Programmes for 2026–2030. The move follows delays in implementation, with some ministries yet to provide full guidance on the National Criteria Set on New Rural Areas. Agencies have been urged to take stronger action to meet deadlines and improve efficiency in fund disbursement. Under the directive, ministries must finalise and issue guidance documents on programme criteria and content by May 30, 2026. Some have not yet produced comprehensive instructions, causing setbacks in local planning. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, alongside the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, will oversee monitoring and capital distribution to ensure compliance.
Provincial leaders have been given until June 10, 2026, to reorganise Programme Steering Committees. They must also consider setting up new committees at the commune level to strengthen local oversight. A key focus will be on communes and hamlets facing severe challenges, particularly ethnic minority and mountainous regions. The directive highlights persistent issues with state budget disbursement, citing weak leadership and poor administrative discipline as major factors. Localities must now prioritise unfinished projects that can be completed in 2026 to maximise investment returns. Carried-over central funds for the year must be allocated without delay, with provincial authorities held accountable for tracking progress. Monthly reports on implementation, spending, obstacles, and accountability will be mandatory for all localities and central agencies. The Prime Minister has demanded consistent and decisive direction from all levels to keep the programmes on schedule.
The directive aims to synchronise efforts across government bodies and ensure the National Target Programmes deliver tangible improvements in living standards. Ministries, sectors, and localities must now accelerate policy execution, with stricter monitoring and reporting requirements in place. Failure to meet deadlines could risk further delays in funding and project completion.
