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| Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee Nguyen Khac Toan welcoming the diplomatic delegations |
Promoting Hue’s images
As the focal agency for external affairs, Hue Department of Foreign Affairs plays a central role, serving as a bridge between Hue and international partners through exchanges in culture, education, tourism, sports, and humanitarian cooperation, helping elevate Hue Ancient Capital’s position on the global stage.
People-to-people diplomacy in Hue has been carried out on diverse scales, formats, and content, delivering tangible results in connecting with provinces and cities worldwide. Cultural, educational, sports, and tourism exchanges have not only strengthened friendly ties but also created opportunities for overseas Vietnamese communities to engage in humanitarian programs and support local development.
Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, said: “People-to-people diplomacy is not only a tool for international connection but also a means to promote Hue’s image, bringing its cultural heritage, history, and people closer to global friends. We hope each exchange program and cooperation project will leave a lasting impression of a distinctive, friendly, and dynamic Hue City”.
Hue has signed international cooperation agreements with Nara Prefecture (Japan) and Chungcheonam Province (South Korea), while advancing partnerships with Swiss counterparts, bringing its total number of provincial and city-level partnerships to 17. Furthermore, the city has also hosted major international events, including the 45th General Assembly of the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF), the 5th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the Organization of World Heritage Cities, and the 14th Conference of East Asia Local and Regional Governments. These events have provided platforms for domestic and international localities to exchange experiences in governance, heritage conservation, and local development, while also promoting Hue’s image to the world.
Notably, community exchange activities have been highly appreciated. Mr. Eric Soulier, Cultural Counselor at the French Embassy and Director of the French Institute in Vietnam, shared: “In our capacity as a cultural representative, we will continue to strengthen and expand cooperation with Hue, especially in the fields of education, culture, heritage, and creativity. Hue is a key locality in France’s people-to-people diplomacy in Vietnam, and we aim to enhance exchange programs further, connect Francophone communities, and actively participate in upcoming Hue Festivals, thereby deepening bilateral ties practically and effectively”.
Beyond international leaders, visitors have also clearly felt Hue’s warmth and sense of connection. Mr. Takahashi Hiroshi, a Japanese tourist, shared: “I’m impressed by the community exchange programs, from traditional culinary experiences to art performances and local festivals. Through these, I can sense the connection between Hue and the world, not only through official diplomacy but also through genuine people-to-people ties”.
Beyond cultural exchange, people-to-people diplomacy activities are also closely linked with education and tourism. Many schools, cultural centers, and tourism establishments in Hue have launched exchange programs, scholarships, and international summer camps. As a result, students, young people, and the international community gain deeper insights into Hue’s culture, history, and traditions. These efforts also serve as an effective channel to promote Hue’s tourism, attracting additional resources, international visitors, and investors, thereby contributing to improving local socio-economic development outcomes.
A Strategic Bridge for International Integration
The Department of Foreign Affairs’ core role extends beyond exchange activities, encompassing protocol services, support for outbound and inbound delegations, mobilization of international aid, and attraction of foreign investment. The department has coordinated the implementation of community projects worth over VND 10 billion, contributing to improvements in education, healthcare, social welfare, and post-disaster recovery. At the same time, promotion programs for Hue in the Czech Republic, Belgium, Switzerland, and Australia have enabled international investors to gain deeper insights into the city’s investment environment, thereby fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
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| International tourists are excited about hands-on experiences in Hue |
Hue has welcomed nearly 1,000 international delegations, including approximately 30 high-level visits, while organizing over 110 overseas working trips, all carried out with professionalism and careful preparation. At the same time, the Department of Foreign Affairs has strengthened its ties with overseas Vietnamese communities, facilitating a growing number of humanitarian and investment initiatives. These efforts have further enhanced Hue’s reputation as a safe, welcoming, and globally connected destination.
Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc emphasized: “We regard people-to-people diplomacy as a key pillar, not only fostering friendship but also generating tangible socio-economic value. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to serve as a bridge, helping Hue deepen its international integration while enhancing the effectiveness of state management in external relations”.
People-to-people diplomacy also serves as a key driver of economic diplomacy, contributing to the attraction of FDI and ODA flows, mobilizing international aid, and promoting Hue’s investment policies and business environment.
The city has newly licensed 11 foreign-invested projects with a total registered capital of nearly USD 40 million, while securing over VND 41 billion in international aid. This helps to improve social welfare, education, and healthcare.
Through coordinated and sustained efforts, Hue’s people-to-people diplomacy has affirmed its pivotal role in fostering connections, enhancing exchanges, and promoting the city’s image. These initiatives have enabled Hue to expand its network of partnerships, improve the effectiveness of cooperation with international localities, and position itself as a model of integration, friendliness, and creativity.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has identified the need to further innovate its external engagement approach with economic integration as a key driver, while promoting people-to-people exchanges, strengthening international friendships, and enhancing the effectiveness of state management in foreign affairs. With these orientations, Hue aims for comprehensive development, from official diplomacy to people-to-people diplomacy, from integration to a more proactive and leading role, and from being a recipient to an active contributor to the international community, thereby reinforcing its position as a bridge of friendship, a driver of development, and a global image of Hue Ancient Capital.