Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday asked all Vietnamese embassies abroad to issue e-visas for foreigners wishing to enter Vietnam and keep the authorities of their host countries updated on the policy during a teleconference.

The teleconference on economic diplomacy was attended by leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 94 Vietnamese ambassadors, and heads of Vietnamese agencies overseas and some associations.

At the teleconference, PM Chinh assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inspect these embassies’ e-visa issuance and handle those failing to fulfill the requirement in line with the law.

The requirement was aimed at boosting Vietnam’s international tourism development and labor export.

He said that the early amendment of the Ordinance on Entry, Exit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam and learning from other countries’ experience in post-COVID-19 reopening have been repeatedly required.

The prime minister asked why Vietnam reopened its doors to international tourists early but it is slower than other countries in tourism recovery.

It is essential to identify the cause of the issue, he said.

“Does it lie in visa, tourism promotion policies or air routes?” he asked.

PM Chinh required taking advantage of the trend of reopening of other countries and the labor demand in some markets.

He also required the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as well as the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security to strengthen their cooperation.

In addition to visa policies, the prime minister wanted an international financial hub to be developed in Ho Chi Minh City soon.

PM Chinh urged the completion of dossiers for UNESCO's recognition of the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and landscape complex in Quang Ninh, Hai Duong and Bac Giang Provinces, northern Vietnam as world heritage sites.

He added that markets and supply chains have been scaled down, while the competition has been fiercer. Therefore, Vietnam must diversify its products and supply chains.

It is also important to simplify administrative procedures.

The government leader required the acceleration of the signing of free trade agreements with Israel and India, and the formation of long-term and stable economic-trade cooperation frameworks with potential partners.

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