On November 28 in Hanoi, Minister of Information and Communications (MIC) Nguyen Manh Hung met with newly appointed heads of Vietnam’s overseas diplomatic missions for the 2024–2028 term.
The meeting underscored the importance of digital diplomacy in supporting Vietnamese technology enterprises in expanding their global footprint.
The gathering included leaders from MIC, representatives of tech giants such as Viettel, VNPT, MobiFone, FPT, and CMC, and a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) led by Deputy Minister and Vietnam’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Do Hung Viet.
Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet at the meeting in Hanoi. Photo: Le Anh Dung
Minister Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized the need for Vietnam to actively contribute to solving global challenges - aging populations, climate change, and wealth inequality - through digital technology.
"Today’s global issues are primarily addressed through digital solutions," he said.
The MIC has signed digital cooperation agreements with several international partners and plans to elevate these to national-level agreements, replacing traditional memorandums of understanding (MoUs).
Minister Hung urged newly appointed ambassadors and consuls general to assist Vietnamese tech companies in exploring overseas investment opportunities, forming partnerships, and attracting international tech talent to Vietnam. He also highlighted the significance of nurturing Vietnamese enterprises’ global competitiveness.
Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet noted the collaboration between MOFA and MIC on external information and digital transformation, particularly in digital diplomacy.
He emphasized its importance as a critical agenda item for the new heads of diplomatic missions, contributing to national achievements and government goals.
In the context of the United Nations, global discussions are increasingly focused on governance frameworks for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Deputy Minister Viet called for active participation from Vietnamese businesses and MIC to shape international regulations and safeguard national and corporate interests.
Minister Hung highlighted the necessity of tying foreign direct investment (FDI) to high-tech transfers and bringing supporting industrial production chains to Vietnam to increase the domestic value of goods.
“Vietnamese tech firms must expand overseas if they wish to thrive rather than merely survive. Dominating digital technology is a matter of national security,” the Minister warned.
He pointed out that Vietnam’s tech companies are competitive with international firms in terms of compensation and benefits, making them attractive employers for global tech talent.
The Minister called on ambassadors and consuls to promote Vietnam’s potential to overseas communities and partners, encouraging skilled technology professionals to work in Vietnam.
Minister Hung also emphasized the importance of sharing Vietnam’s success stories with the world and contributing to solving global issues.
He urged Vietnam’s representatives abroad to actively request support from MIC for promotional content, programs, and cooperation initiatives while assimilating international knowledge to benefit Vietnam.
The meeting provided essential insights for the newly appointed ambassadors and consuls general as they prepare for their three-year terms.
Both MOFA and MIC pledged continued close collaboration in promoting Vietnam’s technology, culture, and interests on the international stage.
