Vietnam values external resources for development: Foreign Minister

TBI President Tony Blair (Photo: AFP)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam attaches importance to effectively pooling and using external resources for sustainable national development, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son told former Prime Minister of the UK and President of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) Tony Blair during a reception in Hanoi on March 10.

Son said during the process, Vietnam wishes to continue receiving support and assistance from international partners in terms of capital, technology, and experience while ensuring a harmonious balance of interests among all parties.

Vietnam aims to attract more investment from potential partners, including corporations and investment funds from the Middle East, promote extensive and substantial global integration activities, and drive the construction of an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City in the near future, he said.

The host wished that international partners would support the country's economic diplomacy work in a more effective and practical manner, step up digital diplomacy and provide training for diplomatic staff and local officials in charge of foreign affairs and economic diplomacy. The minister proposed that TBI assist the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam in connecting with reputable research and training institutions in the UK in the coming time.

Blair, for his part, said the UK wishes to further deepen cooperation with Vietnam, its important partner in the region. He wished to make further contributions to Vietnam-UK ties in various areas.

He said Vietnam holds great potential to promote international cooperation in attracting resources for green growth and renewable energy development, building an international financial centre, and attracting investment from the Middle East based on specific plans and cooperation projects.

The guest suggested that Vietnam focus on improving the quality of education and building an advanced university education system as a foundation for sustainable development, as the UK and many other countries did.

In the near future, the TBI will continue with exchanges and cooperation with Vietnamese ministries and agencies in areas of shared interest, he said./.