In the field of economic diplomacy, in 2023, Ho Chi Minh City has three outstanding activities.

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai speaks at a conference of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Xuan Khu - VNA

These activities include: implementing the activities of the Ho Chi Minh City - World Bank Joint Working Group (HWG); implementing the Ho Chi Minh City - United States Working Group, creating a working-level exchange channel to promote key cooperation contents; and promptly resolving difficulties and problems of important partners.

In particular, in 2023, Ho Chi Minh City successfully organized the 4th Economic Forum 2023 (HEF 2023), established the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) within the framework of HEF 2023 and signed a Joint Statement between the City's leaders and the President of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Also in 2023, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs hosted 16 delegations of city leaders on business trips abroad, welcoming nearly 100 delegations from abroad with diverse programs of activities in the fields of politics, economics, culture, and people-to-people exchange...

On the other hand, the Department of Foreign Affairs has effectively implemented its task as the focal point for monitoring and urging the implementation of projects and cooperation contents of the City with foreign localities, international organizations, especially partners with many contents, key localities in the fields of science and technology, education, trade, digital transformation, etc.

In the coming year, according to Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the city will continue to focus on economic diplomacy to attract resources for development.

The City's goal in the coming time is to deploy an International Financial Center, a Center for Science and Technology Innovation, a Center for the 4.0 Industrial Revolution at the regional level... Therefore, Mr. Phan Van Mai emphasized that in 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs needs to focus on research to advise on solutions, approaches, and find the best options for the City to complete socio-economic development tasks.

In addition, according to Mr. Phan Van Mai, the Department of Foreign Affairs needs to improve the efficiency and quality of coordination with departments, branches, and localities of the City as well as with ministries and external agencies in implementing key tasks in 2024; continue to invest in improving facilities to serve the work, clearly identify needs, propose specific projects, plans, and solutions for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the City to consider and resolve.

On the other hand, Ho Chi Minh City is ready to take on the country's foreign affairs tasks as requested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; committed to being a solid rear for Vietnamese diplomatic agencies abroad./.

Thu Van