Nguyễn Văn An was Appointed Chairman on 27 June 2001, An was a proponent of government and administrative reform.

[2] On 24 June 2006 he resigned, citing his age and the need for a new generation of leaders to take over.

[3] At the 5th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam in March 1982 Nguyễn Văn An was elected as an alternate member of the 5th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

At the 6th National Congress (December 1986), he was elected Member of the 6th Central Committee.

At the 8th National Congress he was elected a member 8th Politburo and became the Head of the Central Organizing Commission.