The role of national legislatures is evolving, extending beyond traditional lawmaking to become a crucial instrument of foreign policy. This shift is particularly evident in Vietnam, where experts are advocating for a more proactive and strategic approach to legislative diplomacy. As geopolitical complexities increase, Vietnam’s National Assembly is increasingly viewed as an “extended arm” of the nation’s foreign policy objectives, a concept gaining traction within the country and internationally.
This evolving role isn’t simply about participation in international forums; it’s about leadership. Experts suggest Vietnam needs to move beyond simply attending meetings of organizations like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) to actively shaping the agenda and proposing leading legal frameworks. This is especially critical in emerging areas like cybersecurity governance, artificial intelligence ethics, and the development of green trade standards, where establishing international norms now will yield significant advantages in the future.
The call for a more assertive legislative diplomacy comes as Vietnam aims to become a developed, high-income country. According to Phan Kien Cuong, an economic arbitrator based in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Vienna, and Deputy Director of the Vietnam Economic and Trade Development Consulting Center (VICENDETI), a reformed, efficient, and integrated National Assembly is vital to navigating this transition and securing Vietnam’s future. This assessment, made in an interview with Vietnam News Agency, highlights the growing recognition of the National Assembly’s potential as a key driver of national development.
The Four Pillars of Vietnam’s Legislative Diplomacy
Cuong outlines four strategic pillars essential for elevating Vietnam’s legislative diplomacy. The first is a shift in mindset – from simply participating in multilateral forums to proactively leading them. This requires a willingness to propose and champion new legal frameworks, particularly in areas where international rules are still being defined. The second pillar focuses on the “adoption and harmonization” of laws, emphasizing the importance of implementing commitments made through international agreements. This includes prioritizing the review and integration of standards from new-generation trade agreements like the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The EVFTA, which fully entered into force in August 2020, represents a significant opportunity for Vietnam to deepen economic ties with Europe and align its legal framework with international best practices. The European Commission provides detailed information on the EVFTA, outlining its provisions and potential benefits for both Vietnam and the EU. Successfully implementing the EVFTA and similar agreements requires a robust legislative framework and a commitment to harmonizing Vietnamese law with international standards.
The third pillar emphasizes “thematic diplomacy” between specialized committees. This involves fostering direct connections between Vietnam’s economic, legal, and science & technology committees and their counterparts in developed nations, particularly within the European Union. Facilitating technocratic exchanges on legislative experiences, such as those related to the energy transition and the circular economy, can accelerate Vietnam’s institutional development and support its sustainable development goals.
Finally, strengthening the oversight mechanism for international agreements is presented as the fourth crucial pillar. Cuong argues that enhancing legislative diplomacy also hinges on the National Assembly effectively exercising its supreme supervisory function over the implementation of international agreements and treaties signed by the government. This ensures that resources from international cooperation are used appropriately, promotes local and national economic development, and enables timely policy responses to steer external relations in the most advantageous direction.
The Role of the National Assembly in International Agreements
The oversight role of the National Assembly is particularly important given Vietnam’s increasing engagement in international trade and investment. Beyond the EVFTA and CPTPP, Vietnam is also a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade agreement encompassing 15 Asia-Pacific countries. New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides a comprehensive overview of RCEP, detailing its scope and potential economic impacts. Effective oversight of these agreements is crucial to maximizing their benefits for Vietnam.
The emphasis on legislative diplomacy reflects a broader strategic vision for Vietnam. As the country strives to achieve developed nation status with high income, a proactive and sophisticated legislative framework is seen as essential. This requires not only adapting to global standards but also actively shaping them, ensuring that Vietnam’s interests are represented and its voice is heard on the international stage. The National Assembly, according to Cuong, is central to this endeavor.
Expanding Vietnam’s Diplomatic Reach
The call for a more assertive legislative diplomacy isn’t occurring in a vacuum. The global geopolitical landscape is increasingly complex, marked by rising trade tensions, technological disruption, and evolving security challenges. In this environment, countries are increasingly looking to leverage all available tools – including parliamentary diplomacy – to advance their interests and build alliances. Vietnam’s focus on strengthening its legislative capacity is therefore a strategic response to these global trends.
the emphasis on engaging with overseas Vietnamese communities is gaining prominence. Phan Kien Cuong, also speaking to Vietnam News Agency, highlighted the importance of creating dialogue platforms for overseas Vietnamese, viewing this as a manifestation of national unity. These communities are seen as a valuable resource for national development, and actively soliciting their feedback is considered a key element of Vietnam’s strategic vision. This approach reflects a growing recognition of the importance of diaspora engagement in a globalized world.
Key Takeaways
- Legislative Diplomacy as Foreign Policy Tool: Vietnam is increasingly viewing its National Assembly as a key instrument in advancing its foreign policy objectives.
- Proactive Leadership: The focus is shifting from simply participating in international forums to actively leading and shaping the agenda.
- Harmonization with International Standards: Implementing commitments from agreements like the EVFTA and CPTPP is crucial for economic integration.
- Oversight and Accountability: Strengthening the National Assembly’s oversight role in implementing international agreements is essential for maximizing benefits.
Looking ahead, the 16th National Assembly of Vietnam will be pivotal in implementing these strategies. The success of Vietnam’s legislative diplomacy will depend on its ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world, embrace innovation, and forge strong partnerships with other nations. The next key milestone will be the ongoing review and implementation of commitments under the CPTPP and RCEP agreements, with continued scrutiny from the National Assembly to ensure alignment with national development goals.
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