Changes in mindset in foreign relations needed to promote economic development: Minister
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien proposed a number of measures to promote external relations to adapt to the new situation and boost post-pandemic economic development at the National Conference on Foreign Affairs on December 14.
Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien proposed a number of measures to promote external relations to adapt to the new situation and boost post-pandemic economic development at the National Conference on Foreign Affairs on December 14.
Underlining the need to continue strengthening economic diplomacy to ensure the highest national interest in the new situation, Dien held that it is necessary to institutionalise the Party’s stance and policy on external economic activities to suit international commitments and practices, while promptly building a new strategy on international economic integration through joining free trade agreements, especially new generation FTAs and effectively implementing existing ones.
An overview of the National Conference on Foreign Affairs (Photo: VNA)
Alongside, it is necessary to focus on developing fundamental industrial sectors and form strong industrial firms with close links with the global supply chains, together with the development of breakthrough sectors to match international trends, he said.
The official stressed the need to pay more attention to the role of businesses as the centre of external economic activities by focusing on removing difficulties and obstacles facing them, supporting them in international integration, and speeding up administrative reform to facilitate investment, business as well as import-export activities, and assiting enterprises in expanding operations abroad.
He said that it is crucial to concentrate on building an economy of independence and self-reliance on the basis of multilateralisation and diversification of external economic relations to avoid dependence on a particular market or partner. Together with ensuring harmony in interest, he noted promoting cooperation in shaping common regulations in international labour division to improve the position of Vietnam in the regional and global value, production and supply chains.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien addresses the conference (Photo: VNA)
The minister also underlined the necessity to improve the capacity of agencies and officials engaging in foreign economic activities as well as the business community in issues related to foreign economic strategy, trade protectionism and risks of supply chain crackdown, along with the development of high-quality human resources.
At the conference, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai held that vaccine diplomacy is an evidence of the adaptive and creative diplomatic sector of Vietnam amid the COVID-19. He noted that thanks to the flexible foreign relations activities during the outbreak, the city has received great support from partners around the world in fighting the pandemic and maintaining economic development./.
The National Conference on Foreign Affairs opened in both in-person and virtual forms on December 14, under the chair of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
Vietnam has gained great achievements in foreign relations during over 35 years of implementing the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) cause and pursuing a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, diversification, and active international integration, stated Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh.
Vietnam has been consistently pursuing a spirit of independence and self-reliance to ensure the nation’s best interests. The policy has been persisting throughout the country’s history, from the nation founding and the struggle for independence in the past to today’s sustainable development cause.
The visits reflected the elevated position of Vietnam’s foreign policy in the new era—aimed at not only advancing ties with key regional partners like Egypt and Angola but also delivering a strategic message about Vietnam’s commitment to deepening relations with African nations as a whole.
At their talks and meetings, President Cuong and Angola’s top leaders affirmed that the close brotherhood and traditional friendship are a valuable shared asset and a solid foundation for the two nations to advance into a new phase of development.
The ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) attaches great importance to the friendship, solidarity, and comradeship with the Communist Party of Vietnam, and voiced her Party’s wish to further deepen and expand relations between the two sides for the benefit of the Vietnamese and Angolan people.
Vietnam pledges to do its utmost to build an ASEAN of solidarity, consensus, and unity in diversity, and to foster a fast and sustainable development path for ASEAN, grounded in science, technology, and innovation, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Party General Secretary To Lam called on the criminal police force to accelerate the application of science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in criminal investigation tasks such as crime prevention, detection, tracking and verification, ensuring that no area remains out of their reach.
Many Koreans living, studying, and working in Hanoi see the upcoming state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) by Party General Secretary To Lam as an opportunity to generate strong synergy in economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural understanding.
The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Illustrative image (Source: baodautu.vn) 
An overview of the National Conference on Foreign Affairs (Photo: VNA) 
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien addresses the conference (Photo: VNA) 
