Opening the meeting, the Government chief said the conference served to review the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 59 dated January 24, 2025 on international integration in the new context.

He said participants would assess results achieved to date, frankly identify shortcomings and limitations, draw lessons learned, and on that basis set directions and tasks for international integration work in 2026.

PM Chinh stressed that international integration is a major strategic component of Vietnam’s foreign policy and an integral part of the country’s overall development strategy. He said it contributes to promoting socio-economic development, strengthening national defence and security, expanding external relations, enhancing national standing, and safeguarding national interests.

He recalled that during the Doi Moi (renewal) process, three pillars were identified: economic reform, the elimination of the centrally planned and subsidy-based mechanism, the development of a multi-sector economy, and international integration. With regard to international integration, the PM said changing circumstances require corresponding changes in approach, in a manner that is appropriate and effective, with deeper and broader integration.

Resolution 59, he noted, sets out new thinking, new approaches and new methods to advance international integration, enabling Vietnam to make effective use of favorable conditions while minimizing the impact of fluctuations in the international environment.

He said the consistent guiding view is that international integration is the cause of the entire political system and the whole population, under the leadership of the Party and the management of the State.

People and enterprises are placed at the center, serving as the main actors, driving force and resource for international integration. The major bjective is to improve the quality, effectiveness, coherence, comprehensiveness and depth of integration; maintain a peaceful and stable environment; contribute to national development and protection; maximize external resources and favorable conditions to build an independent and self-reliant economy; preserve and promote Vietnamese culture and human strength; and enhance overall national capacity, as well as the country’s role, standing and international credibility.

Reviewing developments over the past year, the Government leader noted that while global trends in the economy, investment and trade declined, Vietnam recorded growth in import-export turnover.

Disbursed foreign direct investment reached a record high of about US$28-29 billion, the highest level to date. He said this reflected rising foreign investor confidence in Vietnam’s investment and business environment, while also stimulating domestic investment. Over the year, the international community hailed Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements.

PM Chinh emphasized that international integration must be carried out in a more coordinated, substantive and effective manner. He called for a shift from a mindset of requesting, receiving, joining and participating to one of proactive contribution, construction and shaping of international relations. Vietnam, he said, should be ready to play a core role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation on issues of peace, security and development at the global level.

On that basis, he urged members of the Steering Committee to exchange views, review and assess the implementation of international integration work over the past year, including the execution of Resolution 59, and to identify key directions for the period ahead.

Discussions should focus on what has been done well, what remains inadequate, the underlying subjective and objective causes, and lessons learned. He also called for analysis and forecasting of current global developments, identification of new and noteworthy trends, and proposals of appropriate tasks and solutions to ensure effective implementation.

Entering a new development era for the country, PM Chinh said international integration work must clearly identify priorities, areas of focus, methods and approaches that are suited to circumstances. He placed particular emphasis on the need for a shift in mindset toward greater proactiveness.

Vietnam signals strategic shift to elevate international integration

VOV.VN - Vietnam has taken a significant step in redefining its approach to international integration with the issuance of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW by the Politburo, a move that elevates foreign affairs and global integration to a core, permanent national task amid a rapidly changing global landscape.