Diplomatic sector told to make further contributions to national development

On February 26, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a meeting in Hanoi with  staff and officials of the Foreign Ministry to direct external affairs for 2018.

In his speech, the PM extolled the contributions by the Ministry to boosting  the export of key Vietnamese products, tourism and labour export, and foreign investment attraction last year. 

The Foreign Ministry has played an important role in ensuring national defence-security, promoting poverty reduction as well as the fulfillment of the United Nations millennial development goals by putting forth clear-cut and scientific initiatives, the government leader said.

PM Phuc also asked the sector to exert greater efforts to push up economic and trade activities to stimulate the development of the national economy. 

He also underlined the need for the Ministry to improve the efficiency of external work, maintain a peaceful environment for socio-economic development, and bring into full play national strength while pursuing the foreign policy of peace, independence, self-reliance and cooperation.

The ministry should give more ideas to bolster exports and domestic trade, especially in fields of strength such as tropical agriculture, information technology and tourism, he added.

It also needs to help with export market expansion, especially the US, China and Europe while incentivizing investors to adopt advanced and eco-friendly technologies.

The major focus should be on paying more attention to overseas Vietnamese affairs and citizen protection, popularising domestic images to international friends and keeping the Vietnamese business community and people updated with opportunities in the countries of residence. 

Last year, Vietnam successfully assumed the role as host of the APEC Year 2017, especially the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in the central city of Da Nang. 

The country further strengthened ties with neighbouring, regional and developed countries, as well as traditional friends. 

Vietnam’s senior leaders visited 19 countries, attended eight multilateral international conferences, held hundreds of bilateral exchanges with foreign leaders, and welcomed 36 heads of state and Prime Ministers to the country.

The cabinet leader also stressed the necessity of building a contingent of qualified diplomats with wisdom and political firmness able to perform well their task of both political and economic diplomacy.