Party chief highlights importance of economic diplomatic works

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong attends the 30th Diplomatic Conference, Ha Noi, August 13, 2018 - Photo: VGP/Hai Minh

At the event, the Party chief asked for a new mindset in diplomatic works, thus setting up a new status and role of Viet Nam with other nations in both of bilateral and multi-lateral relations.  

Mr. Trong highlighted the must to maintain the diplomatic policies of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development; multilateralization, diversification, active international integration for the sake of the nation as well as enhancement of cooperation for harmonizing strategic interests of Viet Nam and other countries'.

The overall task is to ensure a peaceful, sustainable and favorable environment for the nation-building and protection, launch strategic tasks on socio-economic development and resolutely protect the nation’s independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests in line with international laws, he asserted. 

The Party leader demanded the diplomatic sector uphold the nation’s advantages to actively join and form multi-lateral mechanisms, including manifesting Viet Nam’s role in the establishment of the ASEAN Community and the central role of ASEAN in the regional security structure and preparing for fulfilling the role as the Chair of ASEAN by 2020 as well as participating in the United Nations’ activities, especially realizing sustainable develop goals and joining the UN peacekeeping force. 

He asked relevant agencies to work to garner other countries' backing of Viet Nam's bid to run for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 phase. 

Mr. Trong stressed the need to improve the effectiveness of diplomatic activities, particularly economic cooperation and promote partnership relations with other nations more effectively and intensively. 

It is necessary to effectively carry out international commitments, focusing on commitments to the ASEAN Economic Community, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the World Trade Organization, he said.

Mr. Trong suggested expanding the markets for Viet Nam’s products, service and labor, attracting more capital, especially the Foreign Direct Investment and Official Development Assistance. 

He required joining hand with other countries to accelerate negotiations, ratification and implementation of multi-lateral free trade agreements and increasing the effectiveness of coordination between ministries, agencies and localities.  

Diplomatic works have practically served the nation’s economic development, especially diplomatic economic works. Since 2016, the economic growths were higher than the average growth in the 2011-2015 phase. 

The total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2017 hit nearly US$36 billion, up 44%, the highest figure over the recent decade. As much as US$17.5 billion in FDI were disbursed in 2017, up 10.8% against the previous year. 

The nation has attracted more than US$3 billion in foreign aid from now till 2020. The number of foreign visitors to Viet Nam set a new record of 13 million ones last year. 

A total number of 71 nations have recognized Viet Nam as the market economy. The country inked 13 free trade agreements, 10 of which have come into effect. 

Viet Nam has established strategic partnership with 16 nations, comprehensive partnership with 11 ones and special strategic partnership with Laos and Cambodia. 

By Thuy Dung