Three outstanding economic diplomacy activities of Ho Chi Minh City.

In the field of economic diplomacy , Ho Chi Minh City had three outstanding activities in 2023.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai speaks at a conference of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Xuan Khu - VNA

These activities include: implementing the Ho Chi Minh City - World Bank Joint Working Group (HWG); establishing the Ho Chi Minh City - US Working Group, creating a working-level exchange channel to promote key areas of cooperation; and promptly addressing difficulties and obstacles faced by key partners.

Notably, in 2023, Ho Chi Minh City successfully hosted the 4th World Economic Forum (HEF 2023), established the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) within the framework of HEF 2023, and signed a Joint Statement between the city's leaders and the President of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Also in 2023, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs organized 16 delegations of city leaders to travel abroad for official business, and welcomed nearly 100 delegations from overseas with diverse activities in the fields of politics, economics, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

On the other hand, the Department of Foreign Affairs has effectively implemented its role as the focal point for monitoring and urging the implementation of projects and cooperation contents between the City and foreign localities and international organizations, especially partners with extensive content and key localities in the fields of science and technology, education, trade, digital transformation, etc.

In the coming year, according to Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the city will continue to focus on economic diplomacy to attract resources to serve its development.

The city's goal in the coming period is to establish an international financial center, a science and technology innovation center, and a regional-level center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution… Therefore, Mr. Phan Van Mai emphasized that in 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs needs to focus on research to advise on solutions and approaches, finding the best way for the city to complete its socio-economic development tasks.

In addition, according to Mr. Phan Van Mai, the Department of Foreign Affairs needs to improve the efficiency and quality of coordination with departments, agencies, and localities of the City, as well as with ministries and external agencies in implementing key tasks in 2024; continue to invest in improving facilities to serve the work, clearly identify needs, and propose specific projects, plans, and solutions for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the City to consider and address.

On the other hand, Ho Chi Minh City is ready to undertake the country's foreign affairs tasks as requested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; committed to being a strong rear base for Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad.

Thu Van