London (VNA) – Amid the changing global context, especially in trade, that may affect Vietnam, Associate Professor Dr Ho Quoc Tuan of the University of Bristol in the UK has given recommendations for the country to foster international integration in a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in London.

He noted that Resolution 59-NQ/TW by the Politburo on international integration in the new context has clearly defined Vietnam’s global stance, focusing on balance, harmony, and goal-driven engagement.

Dr Tuan praised this approach for helping Vietnam maintain independence, avoiding alignment with any single country or rigid priorities. Instead, Vietnam fosters cooperation based on mutual benefit while creating conditions for national development.

He pointed out that a key challenge for developing nations like Vietnam lies in the ongoing shift in global trade and investment. The era of trade liberalisation and globalisation is fading, replaced by rising protectionism. For an open economy like Vietnam, this poses serious risks, especially in exports and banking, as countries reduce imports and foreign investments. In addition, ageing populations in many countries are expected to dampen demand for imported goods, posing challenges, he said.

In this climate, Dr Tuan recommended that Vietnam diversify its partners and learn from countries expanding their market access. However, he stressed that as the world moves away from traditional free-market models, Vietnam must forge its own path to integration rather than imitate previous approaches.

He noted that many nations are forming regional trade blocs with trusted allies, shifting away from global models. With this trend, Vietnam will have an opportunity to join other countries’ supply chains as an ally. To capitalise on this, Vietnam should enhance participation and play a more active role in international organisations, boosting its influence in global institutions, he said.

Dr Tuan also stressed that successful integration demands alignment of domestic institutions with international standards. This would improve investor confidence and help attract capital to Vietnam’s financial markets and other sectors.

Cybersecurity emerged as a major concern. Dr Tuan warned that cyberattacks have surged from tens of thousands to millions of cases annually, impacting sectors beyond banking and international payments. Critical data loss or misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) could present serious threats, particularly as Vietnam relies on digital systems. Unlike developed countries with strong cybersecurity frameworks, Vietnam remains vulnerable during this transition.

To counter this, he urged Vietnam to pursue a dual-track strategy, advancing digital transformation while simultaneously strengthening cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.

Finally, Dr Tuan highlighted the overseas Vietnamese community as a strategic asset. Many Vietnamese professionals abroad hold key academic and scientific roles, particularly in countries like the UK, with strong links to international research funding. He called for mechanisms that support long-term collaboration between overseas experts and domestic institutions to harness this talent pool./.