The statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem at a seminar in Da Nang city on June 10 on cultural diplomacy and the business community.

The seminar drew the participation of 30 ambassadors and cultural counsellors, as well as representative from 60 domestic and foreign businesses.

Addressing the event, Mr Khiem stressed that in the current globalisation and international integration process, cultural diplomacy has shown its important role in strengthening links among peoples, promoting understanding and boosting friendship and cooperation among countries around the world for mutual benefit.

Since the beginning of 2009 – the Year of Cultural Diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has organised various activities to boost cultural diplomacy. “We attach special importance to and highly appreciate contributions by the Vietnamese businesses community, which has played an increasing role in national economic development and boosting external relations with other countries. This is not only a great source of pride but also marks a huge debt of gratitude to Vietnamese entrepreneurs,” Mr Khiem said.

Delegates in the seminar agreed to create favourable conditions to promote cultural diplomacy and build trademarks for local businesses in the development and integration process.