PM Dung underscores key tasks for external affairs
The focus of five key tasks for external affairs in 2012 will be on promoting cooperative relations in various fields with 180 countries that have established diplomatic ties, especially strategic partnership with Vietnam, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
On December 14, PM Dung chaired the Trade Counselors Conference 2011 with the participation of Vietnamese ambassadors, foreign trade counselors to different countries and representatives of international organizations.
The delegates reviewed the results of foreign affairs in 2011 and shared experience in disseminating externally related information with a view to carrying out the Party’s guidelines effectively.
Vietnam has so far established diplomatic ties with 180 countries in the world, creating favourable conditions for speeding up the process of national construction and development.
Despite facing the impact of the global economic crisis, international donors have still pledged US$7.4 billion in ODA for Vietnam in 2012.
This year’s two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and other foreign countries is estimated at US$200 billion. There are as many as 1,500 direct foreign investment (FDI) projects operating in the country with a total registered capital of nearly US$200 billion.
In his speech, PM Dung praised the close and effective cooperation between the diplomatic, industrial and trade sectors and relevant ministries, which makes it possible for the national economy to achieve deeper integration into the world economy.
The Government leader asked the ambassadors to call on the countries of residence to support Vietnam’s legitimate claim for its sovereignty in the East Sea and its determination to protect it in line with international laws.
Mr Dung underlined the need to improve communication with international friends and help them gain a better understanding of Vietnam’s stance and progress in ensuring democracy and human rights.
Regarding external economic tasks, he asked the ambassadors and trade counselors to encourage the countries of residence to recognize Vietnam’s market economy and increase ODA for Vietnam to develop infrastructure such as transport, irrigation, electricity, urban zoning, health care, and education and cope with climate change.
PM Dung asked the diplomatic, industrial and trade sectors to mobilize external resources for development of human resources as well as application of high technologies
It is essential to pay more attention to improving overseas Vietnamese affairs such as their residency, settlement, employment, study and aspiration to contribute more to the homeland, Mr Dung noted.
He requested all diplomats to fulfill their duties and responsibilities and help the Party, State and Government leaders develop policies for international economic integration.
Speaking at the event, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said that economic diplomacy has recorded great achievements as a result of close coordination and mutual support between relevant ministries and between domestic agencies and overseas representative agencies.
Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang proposed measures to improve the efficiency of coordination between the diplomatic and industrial and trade sectors.
He stressed the need to increase exchanges between the leaders and units of the two ministries and strengthen coordination in external economic dissemination.