Enhancing the effectiveness of international cooperation for member associations and affiliated organizations

The workshop was co-chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Ngoc Linh, Vice President of VUSTA; Mr. Nguyen Quyet Chien, General Secretary of VUSTA; and Professor Nguyen Van Phuoc, President of the Union of Associations of Ho Chi Minh City. It featured the participation of leaders and officers from member associations and affiliated scientific and technological organizations. Additionally, the workshop included presentations and discussions by representatives from the Central Party’s Commission for External Affairs, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Security.

Mrs. Nguyen Dieu Trinh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations, Ministry of Planning and Investment

At the workshop, Mrs. Pham Thi Phuong Chi, Director General of the Department of People’s External Affairs, Central Party’s Commission for External Affairs, shared key points from Directive 12 of the Party Secretariat on enhancing the effectiveness of people’s diplomacy, along with Guide 01 from the Central Party’s Commission for External Affairs on implementing Directive 12. She also discussed and detailed the procedures for approving foreign relations activity plans and hosting incoming delegations.

Representing the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Dieu Trinh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations, highly appreciated VUSTA in evaluating, approving, and managing non-refundable foreign aid projects in recent times, which has been included in reports submitted to the Prime Minister. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Dieu Trinh also recommended that member and affiliated organizations continue focusing on preparing comprehensive project aid documents, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and proactively mobilizing aid resources in a spirit of partnership aimed at sustainable development and ensuring social security.

Chairing Committeeof theWorkshop

During the workshop, Mrs. Nguyen Huyen Phuong, Head of the Division of International Non-Governmental Organizations (FINGOs) under the Department of External Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared that there are currently 381 international non-governmental organizations registered to operate in Vietnam. These organizations have significantly contributed to socio-economic development, sustainable poverty reduction, environmental protection, and public healthcare. In the process of collaborating with these  INGOs, Mrs. Nguyen Huyen Phuong advised the organizations within the VUSTA’s apparatus to pay attention to the locations, fields, and project content, ensuring they align with the approved registration of the international partners operating in Vietnam.

Mrs. Nguyen Huyen Phuong, Head of the Foreign Non-Governmental Organization (FNGOs) Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In his closing remarks, Vice President Pham Ngoc Linh highly appreciated the valuable content shared and discussed at the workshop. In the first nine months of 2024, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) approved 10 non-refundable foreign aid programs and projects for organizations within the VUSTA’s apparatus. Currently, VUSTA has issued regulations on the management and use of non-refundable foreign aid and regulations on the management of foreign affairs activities, accompanied by specific guidelines and document templates. Therefore, in recent times, the implementation and management of international cooperation activities in general, as well as non-refundable foreign aid programs and projects in particular, have fully complied with the relevant regulations of the Party and the State. These activities have been closely coordinated with local authorities for implementation, achieving effective results in various fields of sustainable development.