This decree specifies the procedures for collection and use of state budget funds, as well as the preparation, implementation, settlement, and publication of budgets related to foreign policy activities, in accordance with the state budget Law. Foreign policy activities of senior Party and State officials do not fall under this decree.
Regarding expenditure responsibilities, the decree establishes a clear distinction between central budget expenditures and local budget expenditures, detailing the responsibilities for central budget expenditures related to foreign affairs activities.
Specifically, for current expenditures, the central budget funds various tasks such as: bilateral and multilateral diplomatic activities at the state level; negotiation, signing, and implementation of international treaties; operations of Vietnamese agencies abroad; border and territorial issues; and protection of the legitimate rights and interests of the state, citizens, and Vietnamese legal entities abroad.
The budget also covers activities related to the overseas Vietnamese community; management of expatriate Vietnamese workers; diplomatic activities and international integration; interpersonal diplomacy; external information and propaganda; and management of press activities of foreign journalists.
Other important expense items include: organizing investment, trade, cultural, and tourism promotion activities abroad; collecting economic information and verifying business partners; rewarding organizations and individuals who excel in foreign affairs; training and development of personnel working in foreign affairs; and conducting research to support strategic and foreign policy advice.
The decree also addresses expenses related to establishing the necessary material infrastructure for foreign policy work, such as: purchase, rental, and repair of goods and equipment; rental and maintenance of offices and housing; renovation and modernization of facilities at the national level and in Vietnamese representations abroad; and operation of diplomatic apparatus.
For investment expenditures for development, the central budget is used for building projects related to national border demarcation; investing in and modernizing facilities for national foreign affairs and Vietnamese agencies abroad; long-term leasing of land for social housing and lodging construction projects; and implementing projects to purchase, repair, and modernize goods and equipment for foreign affairs.
Additionally, the central budget also provides foreign aid in accordance with the provisions of Government Decree No. 305/2025/ND-CP on Vietnam’s aid to foreign countries.
Decree No. 129/2026/ND-CP will come into effect on April 6, 2026, and simultaneously repeals Government Decree No. 117/2017/ND-CP of October 19, 2017, on the management and use of the state budget for certain foreign policy activities.
