The direction was reinforced through Politburo Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW, issued on May 19, 2026, to implement the foreign policy outlined by the 14th National Party Congress, and at a national conference chaired by General Secretary Tô Lâm on June 11.
The resolution calls for the development of a comprehensive and modern foreign affairs system rooted in the “Vietnamese bamboo” diplomatic identity, emphasizing diplomacy’s leading role in maintaining peace, mobilizing international resources and enhancing Vietnam’s global standing.
The resolution also marks a shift in the role of foreign affairs, positioning diplomacy not only as a political and diplomatic instrument but also as a direct contributor to economic growth, science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation, cultural promotion and national competitiveness.
Under this approach, localities are expected to move beyond implementing national policy and become active participants in international integration, leveraging foreign relations to attract investment, expand markets, access knowledge and strengthen their position in regional and global networks.
For Gia Lai Province, strategically located in Vietnam’s Central region and bordering Cambodia, the implementation of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW presents an opportunity to broaden development prospects by capitalizing on its strengths in agriculture, renewable energy, culture and tourism.
In recent years, Gia Lai has expanded activities across the three pillars of Party diplomacy, state diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to stronger international cooperation, socio-economic development and national defense and security.
A notable example is the Lệ Thanh International Border Gate Economic Zone, which has emerged as an important trade gateway between Vietnam and Cambodia. The area is increasingly serving as an economic connection point for the northern Central Highlands and countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Through cross-border cooperation, trade promotion and import-export activities, the border gate has supported economic growth while strengthening ties between border communities and reinforcing security in frontier areas. Provincial authorities view these activities as practical examples of diplomacy supporting development through trade, infrastructure connectivity and economic cooperation.
Gia Lai’s international economic integration has also accelerated. By 2025, the province’s export turnover exceeded USD 3.4 billion, with products reaching more than 120 countries and territories. The province has also attracted foreign direct investment in processing industries, renewable energy, logistics and economic infrastructure.
Officials attribute part of this progress to opportunities created by new-generation free trade agreements, including CPTPP and EVFTA, which have helped increase the value and competitiveness of key exports such as coffee, pepper, fruit and processed agricultural products.
Beyond trade and investment, Gia Lai has prioritized building cooperative relations with localities in Cambodia and Laos. Regular exchanges across multiple sectors have contributed to maintaining a peaceful, stable and cooperative border environment, which provincial leaders regard as essential for economic growth, investment attraction and improvements in living standards.
The resolution also places strong emphasis on economic diplomacy, science and technology diplomacy and innovation, areas increasingly viewed as critical to sustainable development.
Gia Lai has sought to strengthen cooperation with international organizations, investors and development partners while promoting knowledge and science diplomacy. These efforts have helped improve human resources, facilitate access to advanced management practices and support the application of scientific and technological advances.
International scientific conferences associated with the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) have further enhanced the province’s international profile.
Cooperation with scientists, experts and global organizations has contributed to projecting an image of Gia Lai as a dynamic and increasingly integrated locality.
Looking ahead, provincial authorities are expected to adopt a more proactive approach, shifting from a mindset focused solely on cooperation to one aimed at enhancing competitiveness in order to attract stronger partnerships.
Key priorities include improving the investment environment, upgrading workforce quality, accelerating digital transformation and streamlining administrative procedures.
Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW also highlights the growing importance of cultural soft power in foreign affairs. General Secretary Tô Lâm has stressed the need for diplomacy that reflects the country’s historical and cultural stature, underscoring culture’s role in strengthening national image, reputation and attractiveness.
Gia Lai possesses significant cultural assets, including the Central Highlands gong culture space, Cham towers, historical and cultural sites, traditional festivals, the heritage of the Jrai and Bahnar ethnic communities, and the region’s natural landscapes.
Traditional gong performances, local artisans and indigenous cultural practices are regarded as valuable resources for promoting the province internationally. Traditional martial arts have also gained recognition beyond Vietnam, supported by overseas training centers and international practitioners.
Provincial leaders view culture as an effective channel for attracting tourists, investors and international partners. As a result, efforts are being made to link cultural preservation with tourism development, investment promotion and international integration while maintaining local identity.
The resolution outlines several priorities for Gia Lai’s future development, including strengthening awareness of international integration across all levels of government, advancing economic diplomacy in sectors such as high-tech agriculture, agricultural processing, renewable energy, eco-tourism and border-gate economics, expanding science and technology cooperation, promoting cultural soft power and deepening ties with neighboring localities in Cambodia and Laos.
As Vietnam enters a new phase of development, foreign affairs are increasingly being positioned as both a bridge to the world and a strategic engine for growth. For Gia Lai, effective implementation of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW is expected to help the province mobilize external resources, unlock its development potential and contribute to the country’s broader aspirations for prosperity and sustainable growth.