40 years of renovation: Vietnam’s diplomacy thrives with rising global stature

"These achievements are primarily the result of the Party's sound leadership, the State's focused and effective governance, the unity and determination of the entire political system, and the close and seamless coordination between Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and citizen diplomacy. They are also due to the synergy between diplomacy and defence, security, economy, and socio-culture. By adhering to the principle of ‘unchanging response to myriad changes,’ Vietnam has implemented appropriate measures to seize opportunities and address challenges, fulfilling diplomatic missions successfully," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son remarked while discussing Vietnam's achievements over the 40 years of renovation, emphasizing the role of diplomacy.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, diplomacy serves as a vital bridge, not only expanding opportunities for economic and cultural cooperation but also building a strong and sustainably integrated Vietnam within the broader flow of humanity.

Through an analytical perspective, the implementation of an independent and self-reliant foreign policy, along with the diversification and multilateralization of international relations during the renovation period, has allowed Vietnam to "break the ice" and integrate into regional and global frameworks.

Vietnam's accession to ASEAN in 1995 marked an important turning point in its international integration, unlocking numerous opportunities for economic, cultural, and social cooperation with countries in the region.

Notably, in 2007, the nation officially joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), setting the stage for a broad array of meaningful activities such as its proactive participation in international and regional organizations and forums.

Vietnam has so far established formal diplomatic relations with 194 countries and territories globally, including strategic and comprehensive partnerships with over 30 nations, encompassing all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the G7, and all ASEAN members. Vietnam is also an active and responsible member of over 70 significant international organizations and forums, such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, and the WTO.

In multilateral mechanisms, the country has consistently played an active and proactive role, proposing numerous new initiatives and cooperative ideas that have been highly regarded by the international community.

Notably, Vietnam's hosting of the ASEAN Future Forum for the first time in April 2024 demonstrated its dedication and responsibility in joining hands with the world to solve global issues.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn remarked that Vietnam has a far-sighted vision for ASEAN’s development roadmap. The ASEAN Future Forum aligns perfectly with the regional bloc’s pursuit of the 2045 Community Vision. The forum is both timely and critical as ASEAN member states face numerous challenges, sometimes even struggling to fully anticipate what might arise.

Building economic and trade relations with 230 countries and regions worldwide has also opened significant breakthroughs for Vietnam in international economic cooperation and integration.

The country has signed 17 free trade agreements (FTAs), including next-generation agreements with high standards such as the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Furthermore, innovations in foreign policy have enabled Vietnam to establish new frameworks for economic cooperation with key partners, such as the Digital Economy-Green Economy Partnership with Singapore, the Strategic Partnership on Green Finance with Luxembourg, and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with G7 countries and Europe.

These relentless efforts have enabled Vietnam to be one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investors and a vital trade partner for many nations worldwide.

Shantanu Chakraborty, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank for Vietnam, observed that Vietnam has witnessed extraordinary growth over the past 10-15 years. He noted that Vietnam's advantages include a robust workforce and strong FDI inflows, complemented by the government’s adept monetary policies and interest rate adjustments aimed at maximizing growth. Chakraborty emphasized Vietnam’s enduring appeal to foreign investors, particularly due to its youthful workforce. He added that manufacturers are making every effort to diversify supply chains, supported by relatively stable policies.

The open foreign policy, high economic growth, along with the implementation of social equity at each stage of growth, have created favorable conditions for improving living standards and socio-economic development.

According to Kamal Malhotra, former United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, the country’s most remarkable achievement is lifting approximately 40 million people out of poverty over the past three decades, halving the multidimensional poverty rate since 2005. Absolute poverty has fallen to about 4-5%, while per capita income has increased 40-fold between 1989 and 2023.

Palap Sengupta, President of the World Peace Council, highlighted the unity and determination of the Vietnamese people, the Party's vision, and the Government's decisive leadership with sound foreign policies during the renewal process as pivotal to Vietnam’s extraordinary progress and growth.

Sengupta noted Vietnam’s remarkable transformation across all sectors, including infrastructure, living standards, socio-cultural aspects, and political stability. He expressed confidence that Vietnam could one day become one of the world’s developed nations.

Looking back on nearly 40 years of renovation, the consolidation, expansion, upgrading, and elevation of diplomatic relations have created an open, comprehensive, and sustainable diplomatic landscape, affirming the country's stature and position on the international arena.

The mission and responsibility of Vietnam’s diplomatic sector in the coming period are to rise to new heights, fulfilling noble tasks and deserving the title of "pioneering force," ensuring the highest national interests for a strong and prosperous socialist Vietnam and the happiness of its people.