Hanoi – Vietnam is actively strengthening its economic and diplomatic ties with key international partners, focusing on technology transfer, investment, and regional stability. Recent high-level meetings and visits signal a concerted effort to position Vietnam as a dynamic hub for innovation and trade.
On , Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung met with Hynek Kmonicek, the Director-General of the Czech Republic’s Foreign Ministry, in Hanoi. While details of the discussion weren’t immediately released, the meeting underscores the growing relationship between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, particularly in the context of Vietnamese communities residing in Europe. This follows Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s successful tour of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, which Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang described as highly successful, noting the warm reception received by the Vietnamese delegation in each country.
The focus on diaspora engagement is a key component of Vietnam’s broader strategy. According to a report from , a program is underway to connect overseas Vietnamese (OVs) with ministries, sectors, and localities to facilitate cooperation, knowledge transfer, and international linkages. This initiative, highlighted by Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, aims to leverage the expertise and networks of the Vietnamese diaspora to drive innovation and investment back into the country. The program will also provide opportunities for OVs to share ideas and proposals related to science, technology, investment, and education.
This emphasis on technology transfer is particularly noteworthy. Vietnam is actively seeking to upgrade its industrial base and move towards higher-value manufacturing. The diaspora, with its connections to global technology hubs, is seen as a crucial conduit for accessing cutting-edge knowledge and attracting foreign investment. The State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, under the leadership of Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, is playing a central role in coordinating these efforts.
Beyond Europe, Vietnam is also deepening its strategic partnership with China. On , General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping affirmed China’s commitment to strengthening relations with Vietnam. Both countries pledged to deepen party-to-party ties and expand cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and technology. Vietnamese and Chinese foreign ministers held talks in Beijing on , agreeing to push bilateral ties toward greater substance and implement high-level agreements.
Simultaneously, Vietnam is reinforcing its regional relationships. Recent state visits by Vietnam’s Party chief to Laos and Cambodia, as noted by Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung, are expected to contribute to ambitious development goals for all three countries. These visits aim to foster peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, signaling Vietnam’s commitment to a collaborative approach to regional development.
The Vietnamese government’s proactive diplomatic engagement is occurring against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty. By strengthening ties with both major powers like China and key European partners, Vietnam is diversifying its economic relationships and reducing its reliance on any single market. This strategy is designed to mitigate risks and ensure continued economic growth.
the focus on attracting investment from overseas Vietnamese communities aligns with a broader trend of diaspora-driven investment in emerging markets. These communities often possess a unique understanding of both the home country’s business environment and the investment landscape in their host countries, making them valuable partners for economic development.
The upcoming major national events in 2025 – the 80th anniversary of National Day on and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on – are being strategically leveraged to engage the overseas Vietnamese community and showcase Vietnam’s progress on the international stage. These events will serve as platforms for fostering dialogue and strengthening connections between the diaspora and the homeland.
The meetings between Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and leaders of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in the Czech Republic, held on , 2025, demonstrate the government’s commitment to engaging with Vietnamese communities abroad. The Deputy Minister congratulated newly elected Union leaders and reaffirmed the Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs’ support for their work.
Looking ahead, Vietnam’s success in capitalizing on these diplomatic initiatives will depend on its ability to create a favorable investment climate, streamline regulatory processes, and ensure a stable and predictable business environment. The government’s commitment to fostering innovation and attracting foreign investment will be crucial for sustaining economic growth and achieving its long-term development goals.
