Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 379 foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating regularly in Vietnam have provided nearly $1.14 billion in aid, contributing significantly to the country’s sustainable development goals.
On the morning of December 4, the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs (COMINGO) and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) hosted the 5th International Conference on Cooperation Between Vietnam and Foreign NGOs in Hanoi.
Building on previous conferences in 1992, 2003, 2013, and 2019, this year’s event aimed to assess outcomes from the 2019–2025 cooperation period, clarify the impact of foreign NGO programs and projects on Vietnam’s socio-economic development, and share successful models and partnership experiences.
Stable NGO operations amid global uncertainty
The 2020–2025 period has seen significant global volatility and unpredictability, posing challenges to international relations and foreign NGO activities in Vietnam.
Nevertheless, thanks to proactive reforms in mindset, content, and approach by government ministries, agencies, and localities, foreign NGO operations and aid in Vietnam have remained stable over the past five years.
As of November 30, there are 379 NGOs with regular operations in Vietnam. Their total aid value for 2020–2024 reached nearly $1.14 billion, with projects covering a wide range of sectors nationwide.
Priority areas include healthcare, socio-economic development, social issues, education and training, environmental protection, organizational capacity building, and legal aid.
A lasting partnership for inclusive growth
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son speaks at the international conference.
At the conference, Vice Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son praised the long-standing, meaningful contributions of foreign NGOs and partners to Vietnam over the decades - particularly in health, education, poverty reduction, community development, climate change mitigation, disaster response, protection of vulnerable groups, gender equality, and rural development.
He emphasized that foreign NGOs have played a critical role in bringing global knowledge, technology, and governance innovations to Vietnam - demonstrating strong solidarity, commitment, and respect for the country.
According to the Vice PM, cooperation with foreign NGOs is a vital component of people-to-people diplomacy, helping to deepen international friendships, promote sustainable development, spread humanistic values, and enhance Vietnam’s global connections.
He stressed that the true value of NGO partnerships lies not only in the financial resources provided, but also in their global experience, creativity, and innovative community development approaches - elements not easily replicated through other cooperation channels.
“Partnerships between Vietnam and foreign NGOs are not merely complementary - they are an indispensable part of the nation’s development strategy,” he said.
Future directions: Broader, deeper engagement
Looking ahead, Vice PM Bui Thanh Son called on foreign NGOs to continue supporting Vietnam in strategic priority areas, including human development, social welfare, climate change adaptation, digital transformation, innovation, gender equality, and sustainable community development.
He reaffirmed the Vietnamese government’s commitment to actively listen, accompany, and provide the best possible conditions for foreign NGOs to maximize their impact in the country.
Multi-stakeholder cooperation for the new era
Phan Anh Son, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations.
VUFO President Phan Anh Son reaffirmed that cooperation with foreign NGOs is an essential part of Vietnam’s broader foreign policy, especially its people-to-people diplomacy.
He acknowledged that Vietnam’s significant progress in poverty reduction and socio-economic growth over the past decades owes much to the generous support of international friends, including foreign NGOs.
As Vietnam enters a new stage of development, the country welcomes foreign NGOs to expand into new fields aligned with national priorities, in addition to their long-standing areas of expertise.
President Son also called for broader cooperation between foreign NGOs, international development agencies, financial institutions, businesses, and other stakeholders - aiming to build inclusive multilateral partnerships that can deliver resources, technology, and governance capacity to meet evolving challenges.
Vietnamnet.vn
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