On the morning of December 21, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a plenary session on economic diplomacy for national development within the framework of the 32nd Diplomatic Conference, with the theme: Promoting the pioneering role, building a comprehensive, modern, and strong diplomacy, successfully implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress.

ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY ACTIVELY SERVES THE COUNTRY'S DEVELOPMENT

In his opening speech and introduction to the conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son emphasized: Strongly promoting the identity of "Vietnam's bamboo diplomacy", foreign affairs activities have been vibrant and widespread across continents on both bilateral and multilateral levels. Vietnam's international position and prestige continue to be enhanced, and the framework of relations with many important partners has been raised to new heights.

In that great common achievement, there is a very important contribution of economic diplomacy. Economic diplomacy has made new developments in a more comprehensive, substantive and effective direction; has been implemented drastically, comprehensively, with profound changes in quality and quantity, achieving many important results.

Economic diplomacy has promoted the pioneering role of foreign affairs in mobilizing external resources, making important contributions to the successful implementation of tasks; effectively implementing the policy of "taking people, localities and enterprises as the center of service"; being more innovative and creative, promoting the combined strength and coordination of sectors and levels.

Economic diplomacy activities have expanded and deepened economic cooperation with many partners, contributing to ensuring macroeconomic stability, major balances, promoting economic growth, boosting import and export, attracting many new resources, bringing Vietnam into the group of 40 largest economies in the world and the group of 20 leading economies in trade and attracting foreign investment.

Following the direction of the Government, the Prime Minister and the central ministries and branches, Nghe An province has identified economic diplomacy as a top priority in foreign affairs. Nghe An has promoted cooperation in many fields through working sessions with embassies of countries in Vietnam, business associations of countries in Vietnam, international organizations, and businesses coming to learn about investment. Organizing and participating in investment connection conferences in countries such as the United States, Singapore, India, Japan, China, Thailand, etc.

At the conference, heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, leaders of ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises clarified the turning points and major trends of the world and regional economy; objectively and comprehensively assessed the results and achievements of economic diplomacy since the beginning of the 13th tenure, clarifying and deepening the results and drawing lessons.

CLOSE TO PRACTICE, TRENDS, FOCUS ON DEPLOYMENT, KEY POINTS

Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highly appreciated and commended the results of economic diplomacy in 2023 with 6 highlights: Continuing to innovate thinking, change awareness, grasp the world and regional situation to advise on appropriate and effective foreign policies; skillfully combining national strength and the strength of the times, promoting internal and external strength.

In addition, economic diplomacy contributes to solving global and national issues; makes an important contribution to creating a peaceful, cooperative and developing environment to mobilize resources for national development; promotes endogenous resources and cultural values; promotes people-to-people diplomacy and economic diplomacy between businesses and between localities.

Sharing lessons learned, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that we must put national interests first and foremost, but must harmonize interests and risks; grasp the situation, respond to policies more promptly and quickly; diplomatic measures must be practical, sincere, respectful, trustworthy; closely follow domestic requirements, do what the country, businesses, and people need; build a team of diplomats who are sensitive, proficient in their profession, knowledgeable, dedicated, and visionary.

The Prime Minister said that the world economic situation is forecast to be more difficult in 2024. Therefore, it is necessary to proactively grasp and forecast the situation well; institutionalize the Party and State's policies and guidelines on economic diplomacy, organize implementation with innovative thinking and new strategic vision; closely follow trends and practices, focus on key and key contents, with the view of removing difficulties and overcoming challenges.

In addition, continue to improve institutions and mechanisms for closer cooperation, organize more effective implementation; diversify markets, products, and supply chains; promote self-reliance, proactiveness, and creativity; strengthen coordination among ministries, branches, and localities, taking people and businesses as the center of service.