During the 2018–2023 term, the Hai Phong Union of Friendship Organizations achieved remarkable milestones, affirming its pivotal role in people-to-people diplomacy and significantly contributing to the city's socio-economic development. With strategic plans and innovative orientations, the Union is preparing for the 2024–2029 term with aspirations to make breakthroughs and expand avenues for international integration. Remarkable Progress Amidst complex international fluctuations and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union overcame numerous challenges to achieve impressive results.
Hải Phòng not only strengthened traditional friendships but also expanded cooperation with new partners, asserting the city's position on the international stage. People-to-people diplomatic activities during the last term were organized in innovative forms, ranging from cultural exchanges and international seminars to exhibitions and cultural knowledge contests. Events like Dutch Day in Hai Phong or foreign language contests in English, Korean, and Japanese created widespread impact, fostering cultural exchanges and opening opportunities for economic cooperation. Notably, from 2018 to 2023, Hai Phong received 52 foreign non-governmental aid projects worth over $9.5 million, focusing on humanitarian, education, healthcare, and environmental protection sectors. These projects not only improved people's living standards but also laid a solid foundation for the city's sustainable development. The Vietnam–Singapore Friendship Association in Hai Phong signed a memorandum of understanding with the Singapore Business Association, further strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Beyond annual activities, the Union focused on innovating its content and methods of operation. Bilateral friendship associations such as Vietnam–Laos, Vietnam–Netherlands, Vietnam–Singapore, and Vietnam–Korea promoted delegation exchanges, investment promotion, and economic ties. Many online activities were effectively implemented during social distancing, leveraging technology to maintain international connections. Challenges and New Directions Looking toward the 2024–2029 term, the Union has clearly identified opportunities and challenges in a continually shifting global context. Competition among major powers, global economic downturns, and non-traditional security issues like climate change demand strong innovation in people-to-people diplomacy. The Union aims to deepen partnerships and enhance the substance of international cooperation. The new direction will focus on areas of strength such as the green economy, digital transformation, and education.
Additionally, programs for promoting non-governmental aid will be upgraded, targeting the diversification of international resources and closer connections with FDI business communities in Hai Phong. External communication will also be a priority. In the digital age, the Union plans to build modern communication channels, create multilingual content to promote Hai Phong's image worldwide, and host international conferences and forums on economics, culture, and sustainable development as highlights of the new term.
Affirming the Role as an International Bridge
Entering a new phase, the Union aims to strengthen its organization, enhance the capacity of its staff, and attract more young talents. The organizational model will be streamlined and professionalized to ensure more efficient operations in the context of deeper international integration.
With its achievements and clear strategic orientation, the Hai Phong Union of Friendship Organizations is not only a bridge for fostering international friendships but also a contributor to transforming Hai Phong into a modern, dynamic, and sustainable city. These efforts promise to leave a significant mark during the 2024–2029 term, bringing Hai Phong closer to its goal of becoming a leading socio-economic center in the region.