Mr Khiem said over the past years, external affairs have faced a lot of difficulties in localities, which have not been fully aware of the importance of this work.

The Deputy PM said due attention should be paid to the three important issues related to external affairs. Firstly, it is essential to raise awareness of the important role of external affairs in serving socio-economic development in localities. Secondly, the structure of local departments for external affairs should be re-organised to attract more qualified staff. Thirdly, the Foreign Ministry should cooperate with local departments in promoting external economic activities in an effective manner.

Mr Khiem emphasised the four key tasks of external economic activities, including providing information and assistance for local departments to iron out snags in external affairs and scrutinise the implementation of agreements.

He said the Foreign Ministry will help localities work out annual plans for boosting external affairs while localities need to build appropriate mechanisms and regulations and improve organisation work as well as personnel training.