The Resolution, issued in January 2025, is gradually being translated into concrete outcomes, contributing to maintaining a peaceful environment, mobilising external resources and enhancing the country’s global standing and reputation in a new era.

Deepening economic integration

Resolution 59 was adopted amid rapidly evolving and complex global and regional dynamics, marked by intensifying strategic competition and major shifts in global supply chains. Against this backdrop, the Party identified international integration not only as an objective necessity but also as a strategic driver for fast and sustainable development, closely linked to the goals of self-reliance, resilience and strengthening internal capacity.

A key shift introduced by the Resolution is the transition from a mindset of “participation” and “adaptation” to one of proactive contribution and rule-shaping. Vietnam aims to maximise opportunities from international cooperation while effectively addressing external challenges, ensuring the highest national interests. Notably, international integration is, for the first time, positioned within the overall framework of strategic breakthroughs, closely tied to growth model transformation, digital transformation, green transition, and science and technology development.

Economic diplomacy has emerged as a major highlight in the first year of implementation. It has been carried out in a more proactive, coordinated and development-oriented manner, evolving into a strategic tool to expand markets, deepen participation in global value chains and improve growth quality.

In 2025, despite global trade and investment headwinds, Vietnam maintained positive momentum. Total trade turnover exceeded US$930 billion, placing the country among the world’s top 15 trading economies. Economic diplomacy has helped sustain and expand networks of strategic economic partners, effectively implement new-generation free trade agreements, and open up new areas of cooperation in green transition, digital economy and circular economy. High-level visits throughout the year were closely linked to concrete agreements in investment, infrastructure, energy, finance, logistics and high technology.

Science and technology diplomacy opens new growth space

Another notable development is the rise of science, technology and innovation diplomacy as a key pillar of international integration.

As science and technology become decisive factors of national competitiveness, Vietnam has actively promoted international cooperation in core and strategic technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital transformation and green transition. This form of diplomacy is increasingly linked to knowledge transfer, technology absorption and the development of a domestic innovation ecosystem.

The expansion of cooperation frameworks with major partners has opened new development space for the economy. Innovation centres and foreign-invested research and development (R&D) projects are becoming more visible, contributing to strengthening domestic capabilities and enabling deeper integration into global technology value chains.

At the same time, science and technology diplomacy is closely associated with human resource development strategies, including attracting overseas Vietnamese experts and international scientists to contribute to national development.

Enhancing international standing and soft power

After one year of implementation, Vietnam’s role and position in multilateral forums have continued to be strengthened. Amid challenges to multilateralism, Vietnam has remained committed to an independent, self-reliant foreign policy of diversification and multilateralisation, acting as a proactive and responsible member of the international community.

Vietnam has established comprehensive partnership frameworks or higher with 42 partners, including all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and 17 members of the G20. The country is increasingly recognised not only as a reliable partner but also as a responsible stakeholder with constructive contributions.

Vietnam has also played a more proactive role in shaping international rules and engaged in governance mechanisms, particularly within ASEAN, the United Nations, APEC and subregional cooperation frameworks. The successful hosting of major international events in 2025, such as the ASEAN Future Forum and the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 Summit (P4G Summit), has further demonstrated Vietnam’s growing capacity, credibility and role in addressing regional and global challenges.

Alongside political and economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and external communications continue to enhance Vietnam’s “soft power.” The country’s image as a stable, dynamic and deeply integrated economy that respects international law and acts responsibly on the global stage is increasingly reinforced.

The implementation of Resolution 59 has also been accompanied by improvements in the legal and institutional framework, creating more favourable conditions for international integration.

The initial outcomes affirm the strategic vision and sound direction of Vietnam’s leadership in shaping the country’s integration pathway in a new phase that is deeper, more substantive and closely linked to strengthening internal capacity and sustainable development.

Diplomacy in a new era to match Vietnam’s stature and global standing

VOV.VN - Vietnam must elevate its diplomacy to a new level commensurate with the country’s historical legacy, cultural identity and growing international standing, Politburo member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said on February 7.