P.V. : In the context of Ninh Binh’s efforts to promote international integration and attract quality investments, how do you assess the province’s current position on the “foreign relations map”, especially regarding its cooperation with strategic partners and international organizations?
Camarade Pham Quang Ai : It can be said that Ninh Binh’s position in terms of foreign relations has significantly improved in recent years, both in terms of breadth, depth and quality of cooperation.
Following the merger of administrative units, the province has benefited from new development prospects, while inheriting and strengthening its international cooperation system with many localities and partners in key regions around the world. This constitutes an important foundation for Ninh Binh to promote international integration in a more comprehensive, concrete and sustainable manner. This principle is clearly reflected in the documents of the First Provincial Party Congress of Ninh Binh, term 2025-2030.
Ninh Binh brings together many assets for a major breakthrough in foreign policy and to attract international investment and cooperation. Located at the southern entrance to the Red River Delta, the province plays a strategic role as a link between the North, Center and North-West of Vietnam.
In addition, thanks to its strategic location at the heart of regional connectivity and an efficient transport infrastructure including the North-South highway and the national railway line, Ninh Binh is easily connected to Hanoi, Hai Phong port and Noi Bai international airport. with these essential transportation routes and international gateways will make Ninh Binh a privileged location for the development of logistics, high-tech industries, high-end tourism services and comprehensive international integration.
In addition to its economic assets, Ninh Binh has an exceptional historical, cultural and tourist heritage. In particular, the Trang An landscape complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has contributed to the city’s influence. Our goal is not simply to promote the local image; we wish to create a real bridge between civilizations, promote exchanges between peoples and affirm the identity of Ninh Binh on the international scene.
In addition, the ancient Hoa Lu capital region, rich in history and national cultural identity, also provides an important foundation for the development of cultural diplomacy, promoting the image of the region, the country and the Vietnamese people, strengthening people-to-people exchanges and expanding international cooperation in many fields.
Building on these foundations, the province’s foreign policy is carried out coherently around its three pillars: Party diplomacy, state diplomacy and interpersonal diplomacy; it is closely linked to local socio-economic development objectives. Investment promotion activities, delegation exchanges, international conferences and seminars are organized with increasing professionalism and rigor, thus contributing to promoting the image of Ninh Binh as a dynamic and welcoming province, rich in potential and offering a stable and attractive investment environment for international partners and investors.
It is obvious that Ninh Binh is gradually moving from a strategy of “expanding relations” to “strengthened and deepened cooperation”, thus confirming its increasingly important role and place on the international scene. This is an essential foundation that boosts the rapid and sustainable development of the province, meeting the requirements of this new phase.
P.V. : Considering the province’s development goals for the coming period, what new requirements do you think are currently being imposed on the province’s work in foreign affairs?
Camarade Pham Quang Ai : In the current context, Ninh Binh’s action in terms of foreign policy will not be limited to simple exchanges or the signing of friendly cooperation agreements, but will have to respond to new, more strategic and more global requirements.
Ninh Binh has set itself the goal of becoming a centrally governed city, with the distinctive characteristics of a Millennium Heritage City. Therefore, its external relations policy must play a leading role in establishing links with major heritage cities around the world in order to draw inspiration from their governance models; leveraging the support and advice of international experts and UNESCO to preserve and develop its urban economy; and by demonstrating proactivity and flexibility in its multilateral diplomacy.
It also places many new demands on the province’s foreign affairs department. In particular, it is necessary to accelerate administrative reforms and modernize the approach of staff responsible for foreign affairs. This team must become a true “ambassador” of the province: professional, expert in international law, mastering foreign languages and keen to preserve the cultural identity of the former capital, thus contributing to promoting Ninh Binh as an “Open, Friendly, Reliable and ready to welcome visitors.
At the same time, the major imperative is to transform external relations into assets for global development, particularly in the economic and cultural fields. These relations should not be limited to the signing of memorandums of understanding or cultural exchanges, but must also aim to promote local investments. Any action in terms of external relations must contribute to attracting high-tech and green technology projects, in line with the sustainable development strategy of the province, and in particular strategic investors from the EU, Japan and South Korea.
At the same time, we must continue innovation in the field of foreign affairs in order to give it a more professional, modern and constructive orientation. Foreign affairs are not the exclusive responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but constitute a responsibility shared by the entire political system, requiring the concerted involvement of all levels, ministries and local authorities. Each actor, as a link between foreign affairs, will contribute to the collective strength of society.
P.V. : Comrade, what key solutions should the province implement in the coming months so that foreign affairs truly become a driving force contributing to strengthening its position and competitiveness in the international integration process?
Camarade Pham Quang Ai : As a central agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will, in the coming months, focus on advising the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People’s Council and the Provincial People’s Committee on the implementation of the “three strategic changes” in order to make foreign affairs a real engine of development.
First, we are observing a paradigm shift, moving from protocol diplomacy to diplomacy in the service of economic development. Consequently, the Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with other departments, agencies and local authorities, will formulate recommendations to promote targeted investments, favoring strategic partners mastering key technologies and green technologies, in accordance with the orientation “City of millenary heritage”. The Department will play a facilitator and bridge role to help successful businesses in Ninh Binh access international markets, attracting quality foreign direct investments in the culture, high-end tourism and logistics sectors.
Second, We will implement a comprehensive foreign policy strategy, involving the entire political system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work with provincial agencies and departments to advise them on the development and reform of legal mechanisms, and to promote coordination The objective is to create a synergistic force and a harmonious, competitive and equitable investment, cultural and security environment on the international scene.
Third, strengthen local branding through cultural diplomacy and other external relations activities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will advise the province on the implementation of the promotion and enhancement of “Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site” and the intangible cultural heritage of humanity “The practice of worship of the Mother Goddess of the Three Kingdoms of the Vietnamese People” It will also promote the cultural values of the Doi Son Tich Dien festival, the rich history of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the historic architectural remains of the Tran Temple in order to position Ninh Binh as a center for international cultural exchanges.
The convergence of typical ecological features at regional and global levels, coupled with cultural values rooted in national history, gives a unique identity to the Northern Coastal Delta region. This constitutes a solid foundation for the development of a heritage economy and the construction of a large-scale cultural industry, capable of spreading on a regional scale and reaching international standards.
This approach is part of a sustainable development perspective, focused on heritage, driven by culture and considering residents as creative actors. It aims to make Ninh Binh a city with centralized governance, recognized as a Millennium Heritage City, a regional and international cultural and tourist center, and a host venue for major international events and forums. This will allow provincial leaders and businesses to interact directly with politicians and major investors in the province.
In order to further improve the quality of diplomatic work, it is essential to harmonize staff practices. We will recommend that the province implement training programs for foreign affairs officers who meet international standards, are proficient in their craft, fluent in foreign languages and have in-depth knowledge of cultures.
By accomplishing these tasks, the province’s foreign affairs work will continue to contribute to expanding development opportunities, attracting external resources and strengthening the position, prestige and image of Ninh Binh in the process of comprehensive and deep international integration.
P.V. : Thank you very much, comrade!
Source : https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/nang-tam-vi-the-ninh-binh-trong-tien-trinh-hoi-nhap-quoc-te-toan-dien-sau-rong-260526162650304.html
