On March 18, 2026, the Hai Phong City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 997/QD-UBND regarding the amendment and supplementation of the Project on "Renovating and Improving the Quality of Vocational Education (VET) in the City through 2030, with a Vision to 2045". This strategic move aims to realize the goal of transforming Hai Phong into a leading national education and training hub and an international center for marine economy training, research, and development. In this roadmap, foreign affairs and international integration are identified as central tasks, serving as the "gateway" for the city's labor force to reach the world stage.
Integration Vision: Approaching G20 and ASEAN-4 Standards
Hai Phong aims not only to meet domestic labor needs but also to compete directly in the international labor market. According to the Project, the city strives by 2030 to have 03 to 05 occupations reaching the levels of developed countries in the G20 group and 04 to 06 occupations with superior competitiveness within the ASEAN-4.
To achieve this ambition, the city requires 100% of colleges in the area to have at least one international cooperation, exchange, or technology transfer program, prioritizing the city's spearhead economic sectors. This breakthrough indicator compels VET institutions to proactively change their mindsets and upgrade their curricula to international standards.
The Leading Role and Strategic Tasks of the Department of Foreign Affairs
In the implementation model of the new Project, the Department of Foreign Affairs is assigned as the lead agency, coordinating with the Department of Education and Training and related sectors to expand the "international map" for the city's vocational education. The foreign affairs tasks are specifically defined and highly practical:
- Partner Search and Investment Attraction: The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for seeking foreign opportunities and partners to establish foreign-invested VET institutions in Hai Phong. This not only supplements capital but also brings in the world's most advanced management and training models.
- Cooperation Bridge: Leading the connection of foreign partners with local VET institutions to promote joint training programs and the exchange of lecturers and students.
- Mobilizing External Resources: A particularly important task is mobilizing foreign non-governmental (FNG) aid to serve the renovation and quality improvement of equipment and workshops at vocational schools.
- Consultancy and Transfer: Researching and advising on mechanisms to hire and collaborate with leading international experts to lead science and technology tasks without requiring them to reside long-term in Vietnam.
Linking Training with the International Labor Market
International integration in VET in Hai Phong involves more than just learning from experience; it also includes the "export" of vocational skills. The city encourages training models linked to sending workers abroad under high-quality contracts.
To achieve this, training institutions are required to actively participate in regional and international VET forums, regularly update new technological standards, and join international vocational skill competitions to assert their position. Furthermore, ODA projects and preferential loans from international organizations will be prioritized for key VET projects.
Enhancing Teacher Capacity through Foreign Affairs Channels
Teachers are identified as the pioneering force in the integration process. The Project emphasizes sending teachers and managers for training abroad and receiving international volunteers and experts to support foreign language and vocational skill instruction in Hai Phong. The goal is that by 2030, 100% of managers will be trained in modern management skills and digital capacity to work effectively in international environments.
With a total implementation budget of over 2,594 billion VND, Hai Phong is fully committed to creating a modern VET ecosystem. Within this framework, foreign affairs are no longer just a supporting task but has become an essential part of the training process. The deep involvement of the Department of Foreign Affairs in international connection work will be the key for Hai Phong's labor force to not only excel in their hometown but also confidently assert their value in the global market.