HANOI: Vietnam’s leader To Lam was re-elected Friday as the general secretary of its ruling Communist Party, securing a new five-year term in the country’s most powerful position and pledging to rev up economic growth in the export powerhouse. Lam, 68, was reappointed unanimously by the party’s 180-member Central Committee at the conclusion of the National Party Congress, the country’s most important political conclave.

To Lam has expanded his role, emulating China's Xi Jinping and making it clear that he is the paramount leader.

To Lam has ambitious plans for Vietnam's economy, but there is criticism of his hard fisted approach.