Promoting Outcomes of Viet Nam-China People’s Forum and Strengthening Enduring Friendship
	People-to-People Diplomacy: Soft Power Strengthening Vietnam - Poland Friendship

The most impressive highlight of the year was the mobilization of foreign non-governmental aid (NGO aid), which reached the highest level to date. The Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations implemented 16 programs/projects, while mobilizing foreign NGOs and potential donors to carry out an additional 18 new programs and projects, with a total implemented and mobilized value of nearly 36 billion VND.

Inauguration of a rural traffic bridge funded by India. (Photo: HV)

These projects focused on key areas such as training high-quality human resources, supporting climate change response, and improving social welfare. Among them, the non-project initiative “Center for Excellence Training,” funded by the Schneider Foundation (France), installed modern equipment and organized training courses on Green Electricians and Industry 4.0 for students of universities and colleges, contributing to preparing human resources for the green economy and digital transformation.

In addition, organizations from the Republic of Korea and Germany coordinated to implement various environmental and climate adaptation initiatives. Notable among these was the program “Protectors of the Mekong Delta,” carried out by the MYI organization (RoK), which directly provided water tanks and salinity measuring devices to residents in areas affected by drought and salinity intrusion. Social welfare activities continued to receive attention, with the completion of two rural traffic bridges funded by the Embassy of India, along with humanitarian medical programs and support for disadvantaged individuals conducted by PVF (United States), Catalyst Foundation, and G&D (France).

Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of the French Republic to Viet Nam (second from the right), together with leaders of Can Tho City, performs the ceremony to present the LabelFrancEducation signboard to Tran Quoc Toan Primary School. (Photo: HV)

Cultural diplomacy and friendship exchanges also left many important imprints during the year. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam-US diplomatic relations, the city organized a series of friendship exchange activities that attracted wide public participation, helping strengthen mutual understanding. Commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of Viet Nam-Russia and Viet Nam-China diplomatic relations were held solemnly, expressing the city’s respect for longstanding traditional friendships. Notably, the Francophonie Day 2025 recorded an important milestone when Tran Quoc Toan Primary School was awarded the LabelFrancEducation designation as an “Outstanding School in French Language Teaching,” marking a new step in international educational cooperation in Can Tho.

Alongside exchange activities, the management of external activities was conducted closely and in accordance with regulations, contributing to enhancing the city’s reputation and image. During the year, Can Tho organized 3 outbound delegations and welcomed 57 delegations with more than 291 international visitors coming to visit and work. The management of inbound and outbound delegations, as well as international conferences and seminars, was carried out smoothly, supporting the expansion of new cooperative relationships with foreign NGOs and potential international partners.

The 2025 Francophonie Day marks an important milestone in the friendship relationship. (Photo: HV)

Entering 2026 - the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 1st Congress of the Can Tho City Party Organization (2025-2030 term) - people-to-people diplomacy continues to be oriented toward strong development, aligned with the goals of promoting socio-economic growth. Can Tho will focus on strengthening economic diplomacy, integrating external activities with investment attraction, trade, and scientific-technological cooperation.

Building on the achievements with RoK, Germany, the United States, and others in 2025, Can Tho plans to expand efforts to mobilize financial resources, technology, and management expertise in green transition, digital transformation, and high-quality human resources training.

Education and training will continue to receive attention, particularly through expanding student exchange programs, scholarships, and improving foreign language teaching quality. The city will also continue to strengthen friendly relations with strategic and comprehensive partners such as Russia, China, the United States, and India through cultural exchange and people-to-people cooperation programs.

The Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations and the Viet Nam-Netherlands Friendship Association of Can Tho City, in coordination with Can Tho University and the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, organizes a photo exhibition on climate change adaptation. (Photo: HV)

In parallel, the city aims to enhance external communication, promote achievements in development and the external policies of the Party and State, while recognizing and amplifying the contributions of the international community to the city’s growth. The management of foreign NGO aid and delegations will continue to be tightened to ensure transparency, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.

With the outstanding achievements of 2025 and consistent development orientations for 2026, people-to-people diplomacy in Can Tho is expected to continue serving as an important driver, contributing to enhancing the city’s position and reputation and promoting socio-economic development in the new period.

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