Thông tư số 03/2021/TT-BNG

In the context of Vietnam's proactive international integration, the effective management of foreign affairs at local administrative levels has become increasingly vital. This circular from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs serves as a crucial regulatory framework, meticulously delineating the functions, duties, and powers of specialized agencies under Provincial and District-level People's Committees. Its issuance addresses the imperative for clear, unified guidance to streamline state management in foreign affairs, fostering robust international cooperation and ensuring consistency with national diplomatic policies. The document is designed to empower local authorities to strategically engage with global partners, thereby advancing local socioeconomic development while upholding national interests.

Cán bộ, công chức làm công tác đối ngoại tại các cơ quan chuyên môn thuộc Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh và cấp huyện; các cơ quan, tổ chức có liên quan đến hoạt động đối ngoại ở địa phương, cùng các chuyên gia, nhà nghiên cứu về luật hành chính và đối ngoại.

The Circular No. 03/2021/TT-BNG, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comprehensively outlines the scope of functions, duties, and powers for specialized agencies, primarily the Department of Foreign Affairs (Sở Ngoại vụ) under the Provincial People's Committees, and other relevant local government bodies concerning state management of foreign affairs. It details responsibilities across a broad spectrum of activities, commencing with advising on foreign policies and formulating strategic plans for international cooperation and integration at the local level. The document systematically addresses key domains such as economic diplomacy, emphasizing the promotion of local trade, investment, and tourism, alongside protecting local economic interests abroad. It further elaborates on cultural diplomacy, including the promotion of local heritage, human image, and coordinating applications for UNESCO-recognized titles. Crucially, the circular defines roles in consular affairs and citizen protection, ensuring the safety and rights of Vietnamese people abroad and managing issues related to foreign nationals within local jurisdictions. For provinces with shared borders, it specifies duties in border and territorial management, encompassing the monitoring of international treaties and resolution of border-related matters. Additionally, it provides guidelines for foreign reception protocols (lễ tân đối ngoại), external information dissemination, the management of outgoing and incoming delegations, organization of international conferences and seminars, and the oversight of international agreements and non-governmental organization activities. The overarching aim of these guidelines is to enhance the efficiency and coherence of local foreign affairs work, ensuring alignment with national foreign policies and contributing effectively to Vietnam's overall international standing and development.