Vietnam to Expand Honorary Consul Network to Boost Diplomacy and Economic Ties

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced plans to expand its network of honorary consuls abroad. The ministry will support honorary consuls by identifying qualified candidates and providing them with updated information on Vietnam's economic potential and investment opportunities, enabling them to make greater contributions to the country's development. Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai stressed the importance of translating high-level political trust and cooperation frameworks into practical programmes, projects and measurable outcomes that directly support national development and benefit people and businesses. This requires representative offices to stay aligned with Vietnam's development priorities while understanding the strengths, interests and operating environments of host countries to identify long-term opportunities, connect the right partners and persistently advance cooperation initiatives. Building on the legacy of Vietnam’s revolutionary diplomacy, the country’s growing strength and the combined efforts of the political system, Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy is well positioned to make a decisive transition - from active participation to proactive contribution, from following international rules to helping shape them, and from consolidating Vietnam’s position to leveraging it for national development and safeguarding the Fatherland. This is echoed by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's emphasis on fostering the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Korea (RoK), particularly in politics, economy, trade, investment, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Diplomatic activities at the local level are also intensifying. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van pointed out that diplomacy among the Party, State, and people is now tightly coordinated at the local level. With support from local foreign affairs agencies, over 900 international agreements have been signed or renewed, and more than 2,500 international conferences have been licensed and staged in localities. Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) represent a vital source of capital, knowledge, science and technology, management expertise, international networks, and influence. They are both beneficiaries of the State's support and protection policies and active contributors to Vietnam's foreign affairs, helping connect international resources with the country's development needs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to strengthen engagement with the OV community and support their contributions to national development. Source: VietnamPlus English