Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van: Proactive International Integration Creates New Momentum for Local Development
WVR - Localities need to shift from a "participation, coordination" mindset to proactively becoming the leading force in foreign affairs and international integration. This was emphasized by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van at the 2026 Conference of Local Foreign Affairs Leaders held on June 10 in Ho Chi Minh City.
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van attends the 2026 Conference of Local External Relations Leaders. (Photo: Chu Van) |
Speaking at the Conference, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van stated that the world is entering a profound transformation phase with the formation of a new international order, increasingly fierce strategic competition among major countries, while science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation become decisive factors in national competitiveness.
In this context, the 14th Party Congress identifies foreign affairs and international integration as crucial, regular tasks, playing a pioneering role in ensuring a peaceful and stable environment and mobilizing external resources for national development.
“Localities are no longer the rear but must become the frontline of foreign affairs and international integration,” Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van emphasized.
According to the Deputy Minister, localities are the direct recipients of investment flows, technology, knowledge, and international cooperation opportunities. Therefore, the effectiveness of foreign affairs is not only measured by the number of agreements signed but must be transformed into investment projects, export turnover, tourist arrivals, job opportunities, and specific development values for the people.
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| Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van speaks at the Conference. (Photo: Chu Van) |
At the Conference, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Minh Thanh said that hosting the conference is an honour for the city as it enters a new development phase with increasingly deep international integration requirements.
According to Vice Chairman Bui Minh Thanh, foreign affairs have become one of the important drivers promoting economic growth, attracting investment, technology transfer, developing high-quality human resources, and enhancing the locality's position on the international stage.
Ho Chi Minh City always determines that foreign affairs must be closely linked with socio-economic development goals, with people and businesses at the center of service. The city is also promoting investment, trade, cultural, and innovation activities to attract high-quality resources for sustainable development.
Assessing local foreign affairs work in recent times, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that localities have made many practical contributions to the country's overall development. International cooperation relations have been increasingly expanded, with many cooperation mechanisms and twinning agreements effectively implemented.
Since the beginning of the 13th Party Congress term, localities nationwide have signed over 420 international cooperation documents. Many localities have transformed foreign relations into foreign direct investment projects, expanded export markets, attracted international tourists, and implemented cooperation programs in training, labor, and technology transfer.
Economic diplomacy continues to be a prominent highlight. In recent times, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with localities, has organized many large-scale connection conferences, creating over 1,000 connections between localities and businesses and international partners, contributing to promoting investment, trade, and local economic development.
In addition, cultural diplomacy continues to play its role as the country's soft power. Localities are increasingly proactive in preserving and promoting cultural heritage values, promoting images, and building local brands.
Currently, Vietnam has 78 titles recognized by UNESCO. According to Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van, these titles not only contribute to honoring cultural values but also help “turn heritage into assets,” creating additional resources for tourism development, economy, and enhancing national stature.
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| Delegates attending the Conference take a commemorative photo. (Photo: Chu Van) |
However, the Conference also candidly acknowledged many existing issues that need to be addressed. The effectiveness of economic diplomacy among localities is still uneven; many international cooperation agreements after signing have not been effectively implemented or lack mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating results. The team of officials working in foreign affairs in some localities is still thin, multitasking, and does not fully meet the requirements in the new context.
According to Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van, the perception that “foreign affairs are the responsibility of the Central Government” needs to change. Localities need to be more proactive in creating international cooperation opportunities, attracting resources in capital, technology, innovation, and green transition to create new development momentum.
This year's Conference takes place in the context of the reorganization of local government structures, with many foreign affairs agencies merged, expanded management areas, and many changes in resources. This is both a challenge and an opportunity to build a streamlined, professional, and more effective local foreign affairs apparatus.
The opinions, recommendations, and practical experiences exchanged at the Conference will be compiled to serve the preparation for the 22nd National Foreign Affairs Conference scheduled to be held at the end of August 2026.
