The contributions of local foreign affairs in promoting the implementation of new-generation FTAs in Vietnam.
First and foremost, local foreign relations have made a positive contribution to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and expanding international economic cooperation . Many localities have taken advantage of opportunities from new-generation FTAs to improve the investment environment, simplify administrative procedures, and enhance competitiveness, thereby becoming attractive destinations for multinational corporations. Major economic centers such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Quang Ninh have attracted tens of billions of USD in FDI from partners in the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), especially in the fields of processing and manufacturing industries, renewable energy, logistics, high technology, and modern services.
Localities have developed FDI attraction strategies in accordance with new generation FTA commitments, especially in high-tech, green, and sustainable fields. Some typical localities include Bac Ninh (1) and Hai Phong. These two localities have built high-tech industrial parks (such as Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) Bac Ninh, Dinh Vu Industrial Park (Deep C) Hai Phong, Yen Phong 2C Bac Ninh) attracting electronics, microchip, and clean energy businesses from Japan, South Korea, and the European Union (EU) - markets with FTAs with Vietnam. Da Nang - a typical locality in attracting FDI to serve the development of an innovation center and green city (2) . Da Nang aims to become the information technology and innovation center of the Central region. The city prioritizes attracting FDI in the fields of software, automation, biotechnology, and renewable energy, aligning with the FTA's orientation on digital transformation, green growth, and sustainable development. In addition, Da Nang implements policies to support startups and research and development (R&D), aiming to create an environmentally friendly and high-tech investment ecosystem. FDI projects in these sectors not only generate clean energy but also help enhance Vietnam's position in the regional energy supply chain.
Secondly , local foreign relations play a crucial role in promoting trade, expanding export markets, and advertising local products . The city has proactively organized international trade fairs, Vietnam Goods Weeks abroad, and established online trade connections with partners participating in the CPTPP and EVFTA. As a result, many distinctive Vietnamese products such as agricultural products, seafood, textiles, wood products, and light industrial products have successfully penetrated demanding markets such as Japan, Canada, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Quang Ninh province is a typical locality in promoting border trade and OCOP products through local foreign relations (3) . It proactively strengthens foreign relations cooperation with localities of China, such as Guangxi, Fujian, and Hainan through exchange mechanisms and border trade promotion conferences. The province has organized the annual “Vietnam-China International Trade Fair (Mong Cai)”, attracting thousands of domestic and foreign businesses to participate. Through foreign relations activities such as the “International OCOP Conference”, “Week of connecting OCOP products with the ASEAN market”, Quang Ninh province promotes local brands, bringing characteristic products such as Ha Long squid sausage, Van Don sea worms, Dong Trieu pottery… to the international market. Ho Chi Minh City, as the economic engine of the country, has vigorously implemented bilateral and multilateral trade promotion programs with many countries, through investment and trade promotion conferences with the US, South Korea, Singapore, the EU, etc. The city organizes the "Vietnam Expo - International Exhibition of Vietnamese Products," helping small and medium-sized enterprises promote their products, find international partners, and expand export markets.
Thirdly , through new-generation FTAs, many localities have expanded international cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science and technology, and sustainable development. The "sister city" programs and cooperation between provinces and cities with localities in other countries have been strengthened, contributing to promoting knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and improving the quality of human resources. Some localities have effectively collaborated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international funds on projects related to environmental protection, climate change adaptation, green transformation, smart agriculture development, as well as vocational training and entrepreneurship support for youth, women, and vulnerable groups.
Ho Chi Minh City promotes cooperation in education and science and technology within the framework of EVFTA and CPTPP. Thanks to the opening commitments in EVFTA, Ho Chi Minh City has implemented many cooperation programs in education, training and scientific research with European countries, such as Leipzig University (Germany) (4) and Prague University of Economics (Czech Republic) in the field of training high-quality human resources and transferring green technology. Through CPTPP, the City expands cooperation with Australia and New Zealand in innovation and entrepreneurship, forming centers to support technology startups and clean energy research.
Taking advantage of opportunities from EVFTA and the Vietnam-UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), Quang Ninh province has expanded cooperation with European partners in the field of cultural tourism and sustainable development. The province has implemented the "Ha Long Green Tourism" project with technical support from the French Development Agency (AFD) (5) , focusing on waste management, heritage preservation and green tourism promotion.
Fourth , people-to-people diplomacy and local cultural diplomacy are emphasized, contributing to strengthening understanding and friendship between the Vietnamese people and international friends . Cultural exchange activities, international festivals, and Vietnamese Day events abroad have helped promote the image of dynamic, friendly, and integrated localities, while consolidating the trust and goodwill of the international community towards Vietnam. This is an important factor in creating a stable and sustainable socio-political environment for international integration, especially in the process of implementing new generation FTAs.
As a typical locality through people-to-people diplomacy connecting international communities and businesses, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations regularly organizes programs such as "Vietnam - EU People-to-People Friendship Exchange" (6) , "Vietnam - Japan Friendship Week" (7) and business forums for sustainable development. These activities promote cultural exchange, education and mutual understanding, create a foundation for connecting local businesses with major FTA partners, and support the expansion of trade and investment cooperation in a socially responsible, transparent and environmentally friendly manner.
Fifth , local foreign affairs work contributes to strengthening regional linkages and coordination between the central and local governments in implementing FTA commitments . Many provinces and cities have proactively issued action plans for FTA implementation, established provincial-level international integration steering committees, and organized training for officials and businesses on FTA commitments, rules of origin, technical standards, and digital trade. As a result, the capacity for integration governance at the local level has been increasingly enhanced, creating a foundation for the unified implementation of national integration policies.
Within the framework of implementing new generation FTAs, especially EVFTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), localities in the Northern Key Economic Region have strengthened coordination in foreign affairs and inter-regional trade promotion (8) . Through programs chaired by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provinces and cities in the region have coordinated to organize the "Forum on Connecting Supply Chains and Exports to the EU Market" (9) , sharing experiences in utilizing rules of origin, quality standards and logistics for export.
Sixth , many localities in Vietnam have enhanced their international prestige and standing, building and promoting their image and being recognized as reliable partners, safe investment environments, and attractive destinations in the region . Local-level cooperation relationships are increasingly diverse in form, substantive in content, and sustainable in effectiveness, making positive contributions to the implementation of the Party and State's independent, self-reliant, peaceful, cooperative, and developmental foreign policy, as well as promoting Vietnam's comprehensive international integration process.
Da Nang is a typical locality in building the brand of "Green City of Events and Tourism" (10) . In the context of implementing EVFTA and CPTPP, Da Nang has oriented its economic foreign relations towards sustainable tourism development and green urban development. The city regularly organizes international investment forums, green tourism weeks, and promotional events with European, Japanese, and Korean partners. At the same time, Da Nang strengthens cooperation with international organizations such as JICA (Japan) (11) and GIZ (Germany) (12) in environmental management and smart infrastructure development. These activities not only help Da Nang attract high-quality investment in technology, clean energy, and ecotourism, but also strongly promote the image of a "livable city", dynamic, green, and internationally friendly.
It can be affirmed that local foreign relations have become one of the important driving forces promoting the implementation of new-generation FTAs in Vietnam. Through proactive, creative, and flexible international cooperation, localities not only better utilize opportunities from integration but also contribute positively to economic growth, social development, enhance competitiveness, and affirm Vietnam's position in the region and the world.
Some recommendations to improve the effectiveness of local foreign affairs in implementing new generation FTAs.
In the context of deep globalization and the formation of new-generation FTAs, local foreign affairs work affirms its crucial role in Vietnam's international integration process. Beyond simply implementing the central government's foreign policy, local foreign affairs has become a vital pillar in socio-economic development, contributing to the practical implementation of international commitments at the grassroots level. Alongside positive results, many difficulties and challenges remain: 1- The understanding of the role and importance of local foreign affairs in implementing new-generation FTAs in some localities is not yet complete and comprehensive. Many localities still view foreign affairs as a formal field or limited to cultural and friendly cooperation activities, without closely linking it to socio-economic development goals and international trade integration; 2- There is a shortage of highly qualified human resources with expertise in international integration. 3. Coordination between central and local agencies, as well as between local departments and sectors, is still lacking in synchronization, leading to low efficiency; 4. Financial resources allocated to local foreign affairs are limited; 5. Many local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, still do not fully understand the content and benefits of new generation FTAs.
The above situation necessitates that localities innovate their thinking and methods of implementing foreign affairs to better capitalize on opportunities and minimize risks in the process of implementing new-generation FTAs. Specifically:
Firstly, regarding institutions and policies : Institutions and policies need to ensure the promotion of local initiative and creativity, while maintaining consistency within the overall national integration policy. Local foreign affairs policies, documents, and activities, especially those related to the implementation of new-generation FTAs, must ensure they do not contradict Vietnam's international commitments and are consistent with the guidance of central ministries and agencies. While local authorities can exercise flexibility during implementation, a strict control mechanism is necessary to avoid legal conflicts or violations of international commitments. Furthermore, the decentralization of authority to local governments should be reasonable and transparent, enabling them to proactively manage areas such as investment promotion, signing international cooperation agreements, organizing international conferences and events, and implementing non-governmental cooperation projects. This empowerment must be coupled with accountability and compliance with national regulations, ensuring consistency in state management of foreign affairs. At the same time, healthy policy competition among localities should be encouraged, with investment incentives and business support policies aimed at increasing the overall attractiveness of the economy. The State needs to have specific support policies for small and medium-sized enterprises, rural areas, mountainous regions, and remote areas, thereby reducing the development gap between localities.
Secondly, regarding staff capacity , it is necessary to strengthen the professional capacity and FTA implementation skills of foreign affairs officials. This includes enhancing professional knowledge of FTAs and international integration, organizing in-depth training courses for foreign affairs, industry and trade, planning and investment, finance, and customs officials on rules of origin, product standards, digital trade, cross-border services, labor and environment, and green trade; identifying technical barriers, trade defense mechanisms, and legal procedures in EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP; fostering modern foreign affairs practice skills, equipping them with international negotiation skills, presentation skills, specialized foreign languages in international trade, investment, and law, and skills in organizing international conferences and events. Building a high-quality pool of young professionals through recruitment and internal rotation from economics, law, trade, and international studies is also crucial. There are policies to encourage talented individuals to integrate internationally, such as providing scholarships, sending them for training abroad, and offering rewards based on the results of foreign affairs projects; gradually forming a team of "local integration experts" who are capable of advising and working independently in an international environment.
Thirdly, regarding business support : To enhance the competitiveness, supply chain participation capacity, and utilization of FTA benefits by local businesses through proactive economic diplomacy activities – accompanying and providing substantive support – it is necessary to establish a provincial-level FTA integration support center for businesses. This center will serve as a focal point for advising and guiding businesses in implementing FTA commitments; issuing certificates of origin (C/O), guiding traceability processes, and meeting international technical standards; providing training services, export strategy consulting, and supporting the transformation of production models towards green, digital, and sustainable practices – in line with CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP standards. It will also support digital transformation and greening of production, and assist businesses in applying supply chain management software to manage traceability and comply with international standards. Implementing the FTA Green Transformation Support Fund – co-funded by local budgets and international organizations (such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)) – helps businesses invest in clean technologies, energy saving, and environmental certifications; and provides specialized training on "Green Business - Sustainable FTA" for the textile, agricultural, and logistics industries.
Fourth, regarding infrastructure and logistics . Strengthening the capacity of external economic infrastructure – especially logistics, seaports, industrial parks, and digital infrastructure – will contribute to minimizing trade costs, shortening supply chains, enhancing import and export competitiveness, and thereby maximizing the opportunities in tariffs, investment, and global value chains offered by new-generation FTAs. Emphasis should be placed on developing transportation and logistics infrastructure – a fundamental element in local foreign policy strategies, connecting regions, the nation, and the international community; developing infrastructure in an "open - connected - sustainable" direction, meaning developing transportation networks, industrial parks, and logistics centers that are interconnected with international economic corridors, reducing trade costs, while ensuring green standards, digitalization, and energy efficiency. Integrating economic diplomacy with regional infrastructure planning within FTAs, each infrastructure project should be viewed as an economic diplomacy tool capable of attracting FDI and forming production-export-logistics clusters linked with FTA partners. Developing digital logistics infrastructure and smart management; building a "Smart Logistics" platform at the local level, applying digital technologies (IoT, Big Data, AI, Blockchain) in transportation management, warehousing, traceability, electronic certificate issuance (eC/O), and integrating local logistics data with the Ministry of Industry and Trade's e-portal.
Fifth, regarding local communication and promotion : To ensure that businesses, investors, and the international community understand, trust, and effectively promote cooperation within the framework of new-generation FTAs, it is necessary to focus on enhancing the image and international attractiveness of the locality, building a local brand associated with its integration and investment capacity. This requires a shift from "event communication" to "strategic communication." External communication should not only introduce activities but also clearly position the image, value, and integration capacity of the locality within the global FTA network. Communication should be linked to the goals of integration and investment promotion; each external activity, promotion, and international cooperation should have its own communication plan, designed to target investors, businesses, and the international community, harmoniously combining domestic and international communication. Trade and investment promotion should be intensified through external communication and the organization of local economic forums and FTAs. Applying digital transformation in external communication. Developing the province's "FTA Digital Hub" platform to provide market information, policies, and investment partners; integrating communication data (news, videos, reports, statistical data) on a centralized management system; allowing businesses to search for FTA information, download promotional materials, and register for events online.
It can be affirmed that local foreign affairs is the "intermediate gear" connecting the national international integration strategy with the socio-economic development practices of localities. Enhancing the role and effectiveness of this work will not only help Vietnam fully and effectively implement new-generation FTAs, but also create a foundation for a sustainable, self-reliant, and proactive development model that integrates comprehensively and deeply with the world.
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(1) Dieu Hoa: “Bac Ninh: Industry and services break through, creating a solid foundation towards the 2030 goal”, Bac Ninh Electronic Information Portal , October 1, 2025, https://bacninh.gov.vn/news/-/details/37632/bac-ninh-cong-nghiep-dich-vu-but-pha-tao-nen-tang-vung-chac-huong-toi-muc-tieu-2030-22024102
(2) Vinh Thong: “Building Da Nang into a Center for Innovation, Creativity, High Technology and Startups”, Voice of Vietnam Electronic Newspaper , September 14, 2025, https://vov.vn/kinh-te/xay-dung-da-nang-thanh-trung-tam-doi-moi-sang-tao-cong-nghe-cao-va-khoi-nghiep-post1229923.vov
(3) Minh Duc: “OCOP Quang Ninh and the strategy to reach international level”, Quang Ninh Electronic Newspaper , July 11, 2025, https://baoquangninh.vn/ocop-quang-ninh-va-chien-luoc-vuon-tam-quoc-te-3366018.html
(4) Ngoc Xuan: “Ho Chi Minh City is an important bridge in Vietnam-Germany cooperation”, Voice of Vietnam Electronic Newspaper , September 24, 2025, https://vov.vn/xa-hoi/tphcm-la-cau-noi-quan-trong-trong-hop-tac-viet-nam-duc-post1232493.vov
(5) Thien Tran: “France provides 1.2 million Euros for the project to manage estuaries and bays in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong”, State Audit Newspaper website , June 14, 2021 , http://baokiemtoan.vn/phap-tai-tro-1-2-trieu-euro-cho-du-an-quan-ly-vung-cua-bien-va-cac-vinh-o-quang-ninh-hai-phong-11993.html
(6) Bao Phuong: “Ho Chi Minh City affirms its pioneering role in cooperation with the EU”, Ho Chi Minh City Law Newspaper , https://plo.vn/tphcm-khang-dinh-vai-tro-tien-phong-trong-hop-tac-voi-eu-post850189.html
(7) Ngoc Xuan: “Many special activities at the Vietnam-Japan Festival 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City”, Voice of Vietnam Electronic Newspaper , February 28, 2025, https://vov.vn/van-hoa/nhieu-hoat-dong-dac-sac-tai-le-hoi-viet-nhat-2025-tai-tphcm-post1158044.vov
(8) Attracting foreign direct investment from new generation FTAs in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, WTO and Integration Center website , https://trungtamwto.vn/hiep-dinh-khac/18434-thu-hut-dau-tu-truc-tiep-nuoc-ngoai-tu-cac-fta-the-he-moi-trong-boi-canh-dai-dich-covid-19
(9) Dinh Hang: “Vietnam-EU Trade Forum: Opportunities to expand supply chains”, Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department's website , September 14, 2023, https://baocaovien.vn/tin-tuc/dien-dan-thuong-mai-viet-nam-eu-co-hoi-mo-rong-chuoi-cung-ung/108041.html
(10) Da Nang: Positioning the brand of the city of events, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Electronic Information Portal , September 17, 2025, https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/da-nang-dinh-vi-thuong-hieu-thanh-pho-su-kien-20250917104350072.htm
(11) Ngo Huyen: “JICA continues to accompany and support Da Nang in implementing important projects”, Da Nang City Electronic Information Portal , April 13, 2021, https://www.danang.gov.vn/vi/web/dng/w/jica-tiep-tuc-dong-hanh-ho-tro-da-nang-trong-trien-khai-cac-du-an-quan-trong-i
(12) Khanh Ly: “Vietnam - Germany cooperate in transferring energy technology to reduce emissions”, Website of Agriculture and Environment Newspaper , October 1, 2025, https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/viet-nam-duc-hop-tac-chuyen-giao-cong-nghe-nang-luong-giam-phat-thai-d776280.html
Source: https://tapchicongsan.org.vn/web/guest/quoc-phong-an-ninh-oi-ngoai1/-/2018/1185403/doi-ngoai-dia-phuong-gop-phan-thuc-thi-hieu-qua-cac-hiep-dinh-thuong-mai-tu-do-the-he-moi.aspx
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