Addressing the conference, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said economic diplomacy and international economic integration have achieved significant progress.
Vietnam has now implemented 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) and recently concluded negotiations on a trade deal with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Vietnam's export value increased 2.7-fold between 2016 and 2025, reaching 930 billion USD in 2025, placing Vietnam among the world's 15 largest trading economies.
During the first seven months of 2026, total import-export turnover hit 659 billion USD, putting the country on track to surpass the historic 1-trillion-USD mark this year.
The ministry will prioritize innovation in economic diplomacy, launch the Go Global 2026-2030 program, strengthen trade promotion, attract strategic technology, talent and investment, and enhance coordination between diplomacy, economic development, science and technology, national defense and security.
Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan highlighted Vietnam's growing financial resilience and international integration. He said public debt is projected at just 35-36% of GDP by the end of 2026, well below the statutory ceiling, while FTSE Russell has upgraded Vietnam to Secondary Emerging Market status.
Looking ahead, the Finance Ministry will focus on mobilizing long-term capital for infrastructure, digital and green transitions, developing modern capital markets, attracting high-quality foreign direct investment linked to technology transfer, and expanding cooperation in fintech and digital finance.
The 33rd Diplomatic Conference will continue through August 7.
