No Raw Resource Exports: General Secretary To Lam’s Powerful Message for the Young Generation David Chau explores the strategic shift fr...

No Raw Resource Exports: General Secretary To Lam’s Powerful Message for the Young Generation

David Chau explores the strategic shift from raw extraction to deep processing — and the green career opportunities opening up for Gen Z

Dear young friends,

Have you ever wondered: “How are our country’s natural resources being used? Will our generation still benefit from these resources in the next 20–30 years?” I — David Chau — often think about this whenever I read news about the environment and economy. Today, I want to share with you a very important message from the highest leader of the Party and State, a message I believe will shape our future.

On the afternoon of May 21, 2026, General Secretary and President To Lam chaired a working session with the Central Policy and Strategy Committee and relevant ministries on the development orientation of Vietnam’s materials industry. This was not just an economic meeting — it was a clear statement on how we will treat our national resources in the new era.

Context and Core Message

The General Secretary clearly stated: Vietnam is not short of resources or demand, but it lacks core technology, deep processing capacity, leading enterprises, and a research-to-commercialization ecosystem. If we continue extracting and exporting raw materials as before, we will forever remain in the position of “selling raw materials” and having to buy back expensive finished products ✏️ Search on Google.

The key message repeated many times: “No resource loss, no raw exports, no exploitation at all costs, no trading the environment for growth.” This is a firm principle, not just a slogan.

Five Key Perspectives on Materials Industry Development

The General Secretary outlined five major perspectives that I find very aligned with the sustainable development mindset the young generation is pursuing:

• The materials industry is a foundational and strategic industry for the nation ✏️ Search on Google.
• Focused development across three layers: foundational materials – strategic materials – future materials.
• Strong shift from raw extraction to deep processing, mastering technology, and increasing added value.
• Science & technology, standards, high-quality human resources, and Vietnamese enterprises as the pillars.
• Development must be green, sustainable, self-reliant, internationally competitive, and protective of national interests.

The Golden Principle: No Raw Exports – No Exploitation at All Costs

This was the part that impressed me the most. The General Secretary requested all party committees and authorities to carefully review the potential, reserves, and environmental risks of important minerals such as rare earths, bauxite, titanium, tungsten, graphite, white sand, and limestone ✏️ Search on Google.

The clear goal: Do not let resources lie idle due to lack of policy or technology. At the same time, we must absolutely not “chase growth” by trading away the environment and the future of our children.

General Secretary and President To Lam

Five Priority Material Groups and Strategy to 2045

For now, Vietnam will focus on five priority material groups: rare earth materials, semiconductor materials, battery and energy storage materials, new materials, and next-generation construction materials ✏️ Search on Google.

The Central Policy and Strategy Committee was tasked with finalizing the report for the Politburo. The Government Party Committee was assigned to lead the development of the “Strategy for Developing Vietnam’s Materials Industry to 2030, with Vision to 2045” — a concrete strategy with clear roadmaps, defined responsibilities, and identified leading enterprises.

Meaning for the Young Generation – Career Opportunities and Responsibility

Dear friends, this is not just a story for “adults.” This is our future.

When Vietnam shifts to deep processing and masters materials technology, it will create many high-quality jobs for Gen Z: materials engineers, energy storage specialists, semiconductor researchers, environmental experts, and green supply chain managers… These careers not only offer good income but also carry real meaning — contributing to a self-reliant, green, and sustainable nation.

The General Secretary’s message also reminds us of one important thing: Development must not come at the cost of the environment. Our generation will be the ones who suffer the most if resources are depleted and the environment is destroyed. Therefore, supporting and spreading the spirit of sustainable development is how we protect our own future.

G

Google Search Snippet

“General Secretary To Lam emphasized: No raw resource exports, no exploitation at all costs, no trading the environment for growth — firmly shifting toward deep processing, mastering technology, and sustainable development.”

tuoitre.vn • May 21, 2026

Taking Action Together – What Can We Do?

I believe every young person can contribute in their own way:

• Choose to study and work in high-tech fields, new materials, and renewable energy ✏️ Search on Google.
• Support policies and businesses that pursue sustainable development.
• Raise community awareness about resource conservation and environmental protection.
• Participate in research or green startups if possible.

I highly appreciate this message from General Secretary To Lam. This is not just an ordinary policy directive — it is a profound and responsible strategic vision for future generations. He dared to clearly state that we cannot continue the old path of raw extraction, raw material exports, and trading the environment for short-term growth. Instead, he laid the foundation for sustainable development, technological self-reliance, and long-term national interests.

For me and for young people, this message brings both hope and responsibility. Hope because it opens a new direction for the economy and creates modern, green careers. Responsibility because we — the young generation — are the ones who will carry forward and realize this vision. A leader who puts the interests of future generations above short-term growth deserves our respect and should be widely shared.

Let’s think about this together! What do you think about the message “no raw exports, no exploitation at all costs”? How will it affect your career choices and lifestyle in the future? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments so we can discuss and spread the spirit of sustainable development!

David Chau