Ho Chi Minh City Diplomatic Conference Examines Foreign Aid and Global Outreach
Ho Chi Minh City recorded 30 approved foreign NGO aid packages totaling approximately 302 billion VND, or 11.6 million USD, through September 2026, according to figures released at a municipal diplomatic conference. The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations convened the gathering on October 6 to evaluate people-to-people diplomacy, cultural exchanges, and international aid management across the southern hub.
Foreign Aid Approvals and Licensed NGO Operations
The municipal People’s Committee approved 30 applications for project and non-project aid packages by September 2026. Data presented at the conference shows that 20 project aid packages accounted for 137 billion VND, while 10 non-project aid packages totaled 165 billion VND. Ho Chi Minh City currently hosts 117 licensed foreign non-governmental organisations operating across healthcare, education, social protection, and community development.
HUFO Coordinates Diplomatic Events to Support External Relations
HUFO and its member organisations coordinated 163 people-to-people diplomatic events between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, alongside regular municipal programs. HUFO Vice President Ho Xuan Lam stated that over the past 37 years, the union has proactively conducted cultural and economic exchanges while mobilizing public support for Vietnam’s positions on peace, environmental protection, and national sovereignty. These activities link friendship initiatives with education, culture, and economic cooperation to support the city’s broader external relations.
Recent events included national day celebrations, bilateral milestones, foreign delegation receptions, cultural festivals, sustainable development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and traditional education programs. Ho Xuan Lam called on municipal departments and agencies to integrate people-to-people diplomacy into their international cooperation programs as a resource for local and national development.
Leadership Attendance at the October Gathering
Nguyen Truong Nhat Phuong, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, attended the October 6 conference. Representatives from the municipal Party Committee, People’s Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, local departments, union member organisations, and overseas Vietnamese communities also participated in the discussions.
Participants received updates on regulatory frameworks governing the management and use of non-refundable aid from foreign agencies and individuals. The agenda also covered cooperation strategies with international organisations and foreign NGOs operating within the municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ho Chi Minh City Diplomacy and Aid
Which municipal leaders attended the October 6 conference?
Nguyen Truong Nhat Phuong, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, attended alongside representatives from the municipal Party Committee, People’s Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee.
How many foreign NGOs are licensed in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City currently hosts 117 licensed foreign NGOs focusing on healthcare, education, social protection, and community development.
What was the total value of approved aid packages by September 2026?
The municipal People’s Committee approved 30 project and non-project aid packages with a total committed funding of about 302 billion VND, equivalent to 11.6 million USD.
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