On June 9, 2026, the Prime Minister officially issued Decision No. 30/2026/QĐ-TTg, regulating the organization and management of international conferences and seminars in Vietnam. This important legal document replaces Decision No. 06/2020/QĐ-TTg and will officially take effect on July 24, 2026. A notable highlight of the Decision is the clear definition of authority, processes, and responsibilities of the Provincial People's Committees (PPCs) and local authorities in managing these specific foreign affairs activities.
Expanding Approval Authority for Localities
Decision 30/2026/QĐ-TTg creates a more open legal corridor by strongly decentralizing authority to the Chairmen of the PPCs. According to Article 5, the PPC Chairman has the authority to permit the organization or host international conferences and seminars for various entities, including:
- Units under the PPC's management system, specialized agencies, and affiliated public service units; and commune-level People’s Committees.
- Associations, social funds, and charity funds established in accordance with the law that operate within the local scope.
- Branches and representative offices of foreign organizations licensed for establishment in the locality.
Notably, the Decision also allows the PPC Chairman to authorize the specialized agency in charge of foreign affairs (usually the Department of Foreign Affairs) to perform this approval in specific cases. Specifically for Ho Chi Minh City, the specialized agency assigned by the City People's Committee has the authority to permit the organization of conferences for Vietnamese organizations licensed by the locality.
Key Limitations in Management
Despite promoting decentralization, the Decision establishes "safety zones" to protect national security and foreign interests. Accordingly, the PPC Chairman shall not decentralize authority and must follow the process of consulting Central Ministries (such as the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) for conferences with sensitive elements, such as:
- Participation of leaders at the Ministerial level or higher from Vietnam or abroad.
- Topics related to borders, territory, national sovereignty, defense, security, ethnicity, religion, and human rights.
- Content directly proposing amendments to Vietnamese policies or laws.
- Conferences held in communes, wards, or special zones critical to national defense and security.
Modern and Transparent Administrative Procedures
Decision 30/2026/QĐ-TTg emphasizes administrative reform. Localities are encouraged to receive application files through the National Public Service Portal or electronic document management systems.
The response timeframe for the organizing unit is clearly defined: no more than 15 working days for cases requiring consultation with relevant agencies, and no more than 09 working days for standard cases. During the appraisal process, the presiding local agency is responsible for sending written requests for opinions to relevant units, which must respond in writing within 07 working days of receipt.
Enhancing Post-Check and Reporting Responsibilities
Alongside granting power, Decision 30 places strict management responsibility on local leaders. The PPC Chairman is tasked with directing propaganda, legal dissemination, and capacity building for officers directly managing international conferences and seminars. The specialized agency in charge of foreign affairs must regularly monitor, guide, and inspect the implementation of approved contents.
A strict periodic reporting regime is also established. No later than November 30 every year, the PPC must send a report on the organization and management of international conferences and seminars in its locality to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for synthesis and reporting to the Prime Minister. The report includes an evaluation of the effective use of international resources and compliance with security and order regulations.
Decision 30/2026/QĐ-TTg is expected to provide a new impetus for international cooperation at the local level, helping provinces and cities be more proactive in attracting major international events while ensuring discipline and security during deep integration. Localities need to quickly review and update internal processes to be ready to implement these new regulations starting from late July.