In May 2026, the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs (DOFA) took decisive and synchronized actions to realize the key tasks of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW of the Bureau of Politics, dated January 24, 2025, regarding "International integration in the new situation". Serving as the primary advisory body, the Department has created significant breakthroughs across three pillars: political diplomacy, economic diplomacy, and cultural diplomacy, thereby enhancing the international standing of the Port City.
Technological Breakthroughs in Foreign Information Services
Implementing the mission to innovate thinking and awareness of integration, the Department of Foreign Affairs has pioneered the application of digital technology to promote the city's image. The multi-language foreign information portal and the Department's Facebook page are currently operated in five languages (Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, English, and Chinese), ensuring that information on foreign affairs reaches a wide international audience. Furthermore, the Department is actively completing a professional promotional video showcasing Hai Phong's potential to the world, viewing this as a vital tool in the strategy to "build a globally connected city brand".
Economic Diplomacy: "Paving the Way" for High-Quality Capital Inflow
Identifying economic integration as a core focus, the Department of Foreign Affairs has effectively supported and "paved the way" for investment promotion activities. In May 2026, the Department advised on organizing a city leadership delegation for investment promotion in South Korea. During this trip, the delegation worked with the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) to seek cooperation opportunities in smart cities and sustainable infrastructure.
The mark of economic integration is also clearly demonstrated through successful connections with European partners. The Department coordinated with the Czech Embassy to introduce Carebot into medical cooperation, leading to the signing of a trial for AI Carebot software at Viet Tiep Friendship Hospital. Additionally, World Bank-funded projects on climate change adaptation and funding agreements from the Netherlands Development Finance Organization are being actively implemented, creating crucial resources for the local sustainable development.
Deepening Partnerships and Sister City Relations
On the political front, the Department of Foreign Affairs has proactively strengthened "strategic trust" with traditional partners. During the 2026 Red Flamboyant Flower Festival, the Department formally received many high-level delegations from Laos (Vientiane, Luang Prabang), Japan (Kagawa), China (Nanning), and Cambodia (Preah Sihanouk). These meetings opened numerous practical cooperation opportunities, particularly discussions with Suwon (South Korea) regarding establishing sister city relations and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kagoshima Prefecture (Japan).
The Department also expanded its diplomatic space through exchanges with the Kazakhstan Embassy about a sister relationship with the Atyrau Region and coordinated with the French Institute in Vietnam to realize urban planning projects and the preservation of the City Opera House. Registration for major forums such as the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) in Japan and the World Cities Summit (WCS) 2026 in Singapore demonstrates Hai Phong's aspiration to elevate its position within the network of global urban centers.
Cultural Diplomacy and Connecting with Overseas Vietnamese
Cultural diplomacy activities in May were vibrant, featuring international art performance programs at the City Opera House Square and other districts like Kien An. The Department coordinated exchange sessions with art troupes from South Korea and China and planned to welcome a Royal Netherlands Navy ship for a friendly visit to Hai Phong port. Distinctive images of Hai Phong's landmarks and cuisine were also sent to participate in Vietnam Week in St. Petersburg (Russia) to promote the culture of the Port City.
Moreover, cultural diplomacy has seen significant progress in preparing the "Cheo Art" dossier for submission to UNESCO. The city is also researching and preparing dossiers to request UNESCO to honor cultural celebrities such as Trang Trinh Nguyen Binh Khiem and Great Physician Tue Tinh.
Improving Implementation Capacity and Future Orientation
To ensure the effectiveness of integration, the Department of Foreign Affairs continuously focuses on training its staff. In May 2026, the Department sent officials to participate in an intensive technical training program by the World Bank in Japan. At the same time, the Department maintains the inspection and supervision of the implementation of international commitments within the area. Currently, the Department is focusing on developing strategic projects such as: "Building Hai Phong into an International City" and the "Foreign Affairs Strategy for Hai Phong to 2030, with a vision to 2045".
The achievements in May 2026 are a testament to the proactive and creative spirit of the Department of Foreign Affairs in implementing Resolution 59-NQ/TW. With systematic and practical steps, Hai Phong's diplomacy is contributing significantly to turning the city into a modern, civilized international center, living up to the expectations of the Central Government and the city's people.