(VOVworld)- Strengthening diplomatic activities to develop the economy is one of the five major tasks of Vietnamese diplomacy this year. Vietnamese enterprises need support from diplomatic activities to exploit advantages, overcome challenges, and explore new potential markets. This is not just the top concern of Vietnamese enterprises but also the determination of Vietnamese diplomacy this year, said Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on the VTV program “People ask, Ministers answer”. Here are some excerpts from the program.

Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on the VTV program “People ask, Ministers answer”

Despite numerous economic difficulties in 2012, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Vietnam totaled more than 13 billion USD and donor commitment of ODA to Vietnam was more than 6.4 billion USD. These figures reflected confidence in the Vietnamese economy by foreign investors and international organizations. Last year, overseas remittance to Vietnam increased sharply compared with 2011, reaching more than 10 billion USD and making Vietnam the 7^th largest recipient of overseas remittance in the world. The overseas remittance has been mostly poured into investment, development, production, and helping families build houses and improve their lives. Some of the money went to rural, mountainous areas, contributing to poverty reduction. Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said: "Overseas remittance has accounted for 60 to 70% of foreign investment in Vietnam since 1991. This resource has contributed to national development, stabilizing the exchange rates, and increasing Vietnam’s foreign reserves. We highly appreciate Vietnamese people who live and work overseas sending money back home, as it benefits both the country and their families."

For the first time in 19 years, in 2012 Vietnam reported an export surplus, which foreign economists called a major achievement amidst the economic woes in Vietnam and around the world. This achievement was largely due to the resolute intervention of the political system and the diplomatic sector.

More economic difficulties are forecast for 2013, but Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh says the diplomatic sector will continue updating economic information and evaluating economic trends in other countries to assist ministries, sectors and enterprises in Vietnam. The sector will also help to find new markets and protect Vietnamese shrimps against US anti-dumping suits. Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh says: "The Foreign Ministry has promptly informed relevant Vietnamese ministries, sectors and enterprises about this case. The US will make a decision on this case by July, so the Foreign Ministry will work with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnamese Shrimp Exporting Association to take necessary measures. We will work with the US Department of Commerce, and the International Trade Committee who are the main bodies involved with this lawsuit to assess the impacts of the lawsuit on Vietnam’s shrimp production and US consumers. We will also provide US partners and seafood importers with objective information so they will voice protests against this unreasonable lawsuit."

Vietnam now has nearly 100 diplomatic offices overseas, which have been actively implementing programs to strengthen economic diplomacy. Last year, the diplomatic sector completed a Master Strategy on International Economic Integration which includes strategies on strengthening cooperation with each country, each organization, and each exporting zone. This year, the diplomatic sector will further strengthen its economic efforts, as Vietnam and the world enter a new period of development. Minister Minh says: "This year, we will continue strengthening our relations with Latin America and expanding relations in other regions including the Middle-East and Africa, which are strong potential markets for Vietnam."

Economic diplomacy has boosted the national economy and enhanced international economic integration.