Through consistent, comprehensive, and effective foreign affairs, the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs has contributed to the successful implementation of socioeconomic development, national defense, and security goals. This has elevated the position and image of the port city in the international arena.
Foreign affairs and international integration, including economic diplomacy, have helped enhance the position of Hai Phong City and attract more foreign investment (FDI) into the city
Foreign affairs go first to open the way
As a key advisor to the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal People's Committee on foreign affairs such as Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, People's diplomacy and work for Vietnamese people abroad, the Department of Foreign Affairs has introduced many solutions, increasingly improved the quality of operations and affirmed the position of foreign affairs in economic development.
The good performance of foreign affairs has supported, opened the way, and promoted the investment environment, seaport infrastructure, economic - industrial - commercial zones; and effectively mobilized and enhanced the effect of remittances, thus strongly attracting external resources for socioeconomic development.
The department has advised the city to send trade promotion delegations to such countries as Japan, South Korea, the EU, China, ASEAN and the United States. At the same time, the agency has also promoted localized economic diplomacy through receptions and working sessions with international delegations, businesses and international organizations in the city. It has connected businesses and localities to join product introduction events and boost cooperation with foreign partners.
From 2020 to May 31, 2023, the department guided, supported and organized 150 delegations to launch investment - trade promotion, and attend conferences, seminars and training courses in foreign countries; coordinated with relevant bodies to welcome 280 foreign delegations to explore the investment environment, execute cooperation agreements and attend foreign affairs events. In the 2020 - 2022 period, 136 foreign non-governmental projects were deployed with a total pledged value of US$16.9 million, of which US$12.8 million was disbursed. From 2020 to May 31, 2023, overseas remittances were estimated at US$577.6 million, which helped develop production, business and investment, and assisted poor families.
In particular, to realize the goals of Resolution 45-NQ/TW of the Politburo on Hai Phong City construction and development to 2030, with a vision to 2045, the Department of Foreign Affairs has attracted resources for green economic development. Within the framework of signed agreements, there are many green growth projects in the city, including the project to produce compost from organic waste; the project to popularize U-BCF biological contact filtration technology in clean water production; and eco-industrial park construction project.
With the sector's efforts, Hai Phong has had trade ties with over 130 countries and territories and friendship/twinning ties with 26 localities. Forty three countries and territories have invested over US$24.5 billion in 853 valid FDI projects. The city granted four valid ODA projects with VND1,698 billion (US$72.3 mm). These are important resources for the city's socioeconomic development.
The effort of Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs has helped Cat Ba Archipelago become a part of the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago Complex, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage
Enhancing the Hai Phong image and position in the international arena
Besides economic aspects, cultural diplomacy and foreign information have also been innovatively reformed to popularize the land, people and unique cultural features, and helped introduce the image and prestige of the city to international friends.
The department has advised, promoted and opened four international routes to and from Cat Bi International Airport to Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), Kunming (China) and Busan (South Korea). The agency has connected and constructed "1 tour in 2 countries with 6 destinations" tourism product, which consists of Yunnan (Kunming, Mengzi) - Lao Cai (Sa Pa) - Hanoi - Hai Phong (Cat Ba) - Quang Ninh (Ha Long). It has also organized art troupes to attend cultural events abroad.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago’s recognition by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage on September 16, 2023, has reaffirmed Hai Phong's position on the world tourism map. This results from the effort and persistence of a 10-year process of building, protecting and campaigning for the nomination dossier of Hai Phong in general and the city's foreign affairs sector in particular.
Besides, the Department of Foreign Affairs has diversified exchanges and introduced local cultures to the world; welcomed international delegations and organized foreign cultural events within the framework of the annual Red Poinciana (Flamboyant) Festival; and supported foreign correspondents to broadcast information and images of the city in international media.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, said: With geo-economic and political advantages, Hai Phong is always an attractive destination for foreign partners and investors. Making the most of potential advantages and promoting the role of foreign affairs and international integration are the sector's top tasks today.
In the coming time, the department will step up the implementation of projects, programs and plans on foreign affairs; reform methods and improve the quality and effect of foreign affairs, investment promotion, and international cooperation; and diversify foreign channels.
The department will continue to seek and connect with foreign localities to establish cooperative relationships; maintain and expand international relations with foreign diplomatic representative agencies, international cooperation agencies, and representatives of international organizations in Vietnam; and introduce the image of the city's potential, strengths, development plans and orientations.
“Through foreign affairs, the image and position of Hai Phong, a potential city, a safe and attractive destination for business investment, has become known to international friends, helping boost exports and increase investment for socioeconomic development," she affirmed.
By Ngoc Tung, Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
October 2024
Hanoi