International integration must be enhanced, linked to key development tasks: PM
VOV.VN - The ongoing process of international integration must be further accelerated and closely linked to building a self-reliant and independent economy in Vietnam, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a national conference in Hanoi o August 2 reviewing 10 years of implementing a Politburo resolution on international integration.
The Politburo issued Resolution 22-NQ/TW on international integration on April 10, 2013, marking an important change in the thinking of the Party and State, moving from ‘international economic integration’ to ‘proactive international integration comprehensively, extensively and effectively’ spanning across all fields, from politics, defence, security to culture, social affairs, science - technology, and education – training, among others.
From primarily joining the process, Vietnam has proactively proposed initiatives, formulated and played the rules of the game, said the PM, adding that the implementation of Resolution 22 has brought about plenty of great achievements of historical significance for the country.
To date, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide. Since 2013, the country has upgraded its relations with seven states to that of a Strategic Partnership or a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and seven countries to a Comprehensive Partnership, thereby creating a network of 33 Strategic Partners and Comprehensive Partners, including all major powers.
The country has officially engaged in global peacekeeping activities, and signed 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) with approximately 60 economies worldwide.
Drawing major lessons from implementing the process, the PM stressed that international integration must be considered as a ‘strategic issue and the cause of the entire people and of the whole political system.’
Efforts must therefore be made to create more favourable conditions in terms of mechanisms, policies, and resources in a bid to promote the central role of people and businesses in the process, he said.
According to the Government leader, international integration is both an opportunity and a challenge which can be viewed as a difficult and sensitive thing to do, although doing nothing would be impossible.
International integration must be considered as an important driving force for national innovation and development closely linked to the improvement of the country's autonomy, competitiveness, resilience, and adaptability to all external fluctuations, stressed the PM.
It's imperative to maximize distinctive potential, outstanding opportunities and competitive advantages, so as to resolve the country’s difficulties and challenges, he reminded.
He went on to underline the need for Vietnam to continue to implement and concretise the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification of foreign relations, while becoming a good friend, a reliable partner, as well as an active and responsible member of the international community.
The Government chief also noted that during the international integration process, the country pursues the ‘4 No’s’ defense policy, that is not joining a military alliance; not being aligned with one country to fight the other; not allowing foreign countries to set up military bases or use the territory against other countries; and not using force or threatening to use force in international relations.
Vietnam is ready to effectively, fully and seriously implement international agreements and commitments both bilaterally and multilaterally, he affirmed.
