Diplomacy must drive 8% growth goal in 2025: PM Chinh

The event was attended by Le Hoai Trung, Central Party Committee member and head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for External Relations; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; leaders of various central-level committees, ministries, and agencies; and current and former leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, in 2024, Vietnam’s foreign policy was marked by strategic vision and decision-making, with active involvement from the Central Party, Politburo, Secretariat, and national senior leaders. This has led to a fundamental shift in the country's foreign relations, particularly through enhanced partnerships with key international partners and traditional friends. The country’s foreign diplomacy has seen significant advancements across various sectors, including bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, economic, political, cultural diplomacy, and more. In particular, economic diplomacy, under the Prime Minister's strong direction, has seen remarkable progress in trade, investment, digital transformation, green transition, semiconductor technology, and artificial intelligence.

In his address, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted Vietnam's achievements across various sectors, particularly the country's economic transformation.

“2024 has become the first year in many years where we have achieved and exceeded all 15 targets set. Notably, Vietnam has become a growth bright spot in the region and the world with over 7% growth; macroeconomic fundamentals remain stable, inflation is under control, and the major balances of the economy is secured,” Chinh emphasized.

According to the cabinet leader, the nation continues to be a safe and attractive destination for international investment and business, ranking among the top 15 developing countries attracting the largest foreign direct investment (FDI), with nearly US$40 billion registered and nearly US$25 billion in disbursed capital.

Market capitalization hit close to VND7.2 trillion, with the stock market growth rate in double digits, the highest in the region. Vietnam’s total export and import turnover is estimated at US$786 billion, the highest ever.

The number of international tourists visiting Vietnam is estimated to reach 17.6 million, an increase of 39.5% compared to 2023. The spirit of entrepreneurship, science, technology, and innovation has been strongly ignited, and strategic breakthroughs have yielded very positive results in terms of institutional transparency, seamless infrastructure, and smart governance.

The Government chief affirmed the important contribution of the diplomatic sector to the country’s achievements, emphasizing its key role in maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation for development.

He stated that among the country’s collective achievements, the diplomatic sector has made a significant contribution with many notable outcomes. This includes maintaining a peaceful, stable, and cooperative environment for development; harmoniously and effectively dealing with arising issues in relations with key partners; closely coordinating with defence and security agencies; continuing to strengthen political trust and upgrade relations with partners, creating a favorable diplomatic landscape.

Appreciating the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for developing the Strategy for Building and Developing the Sector until 2030, with a vision to 2045, in a professional, orderly, and modern direction, the PM recognized that the diplomatic sector has adhered to the Party’s policies, the State’s laws, and international integration strategies, while implementing them seriously, decisively, promptly, and effectively.

"The entire sector has made efforts, demonstrating solidarity, responsibility, initiative, and closer coordination among various ministries, sectors, localities, and agencies within the political system," Chinh emphasized.

Acknowledging, praising, and congratulating the efforts and achievements of the diplomatic sector, PM Chinh expressed the desire for the sector to be more proactive, timely, and effective in grasping global, regional, and host-country situations to advise the Party and State on flexible, appropriate, and effective policy responses.

In addition, he called for further enhancing the role of the diplomatic sector in leveraging commitments and agreements with partners, turning them into resources and material wealth to support the country’s development, especially underlining the role of ambassadors and building a more professional team.

To contribute to achieving the country’s 2025 goals, creating momentum, strength, and trust, while enhancing the hope of the people, businesses, and international friends, with a focus on valuing time, intellect, and decisive actions at the right moments, the Prime Minister stated that the entire diplomatic sector should concentrate on key tasks and solutions identified by the Party and the State.

To contribute to achieving the country’s 2025 goals, creating momentum, strength, and trust, while strengthening confidence among the people, businesses, and international friends, with a focus on valuing time, intellect, and decisive actions at the right moments, the PM suggested that the entire diplomatic sector should concentrate on key tasks and solutions identified by the Party and the State.

In particular, all diplomatic activities must effectively serve the goal of achieving at least 8% growth and strive for even higher results where possible.

PM Chinh directed the diplomatic sector to carry out all routine tasks in a synchronized and effective manner, foster economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, national image promotion, and build a modern and professional diplomatic foundation; focus on strengthening the Party’s integrity and strength; improve the leadership capacity and fighting spirit of Party organizations and members; and intensify efforts to combat corruption and wastefulness.

He expressed his confidence that, with the collective effort, unity, and determination of all levels, sectors, and localities, the diplomatic sector will overcome challenges, continue to make breakthrough progress, and be a beacon for the years to come. This will contribute significantly to laying the foundation for the nation’s strong, prosperous, and civilized development in the new era.