The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid

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The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid
The Global Island:
Ireland in Vietnam
and the Mekong
Sub-region
Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam
2017-2020
The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid
2                                                                                                                                                                                         The Global Island:Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region                                                                                   3

  I NDIA                                                                                            CH I N A
                                                                                                                                                                                                  ConTEnTS
                            yR.
                          add

                                                                                                                                                                                                  SUMMARY...............................................................................................................................6
                       I rraw

                    MYANMAR/
                     BURMA                                                                                      Ha Giang
                                                                                                    Lao Cai
                        Mandalay                                                                                                                                                                  1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................7

                                                                                                           Re
                                                                                                                                     Lang Son

                                                                                                            d
                                                                                            Dien Bien

                                                                                                                Ri
                                                                                                                ve
                                                                                                                     r
            Bagan               Heho                Kengtung                 Phongsali
                                                                                                                     HANOI
                                Inle Lake                                  Luang Prabang                                                                                                          2. GUIDING POLICIES ............................................................................................................8
Mrauk U
                                                                             gR.

                                                         Chiang Rai                                           VIETNAM
                                                                            Mekon

                      NAYPYITAW                                                            Plain of Jars
                                                                                                                                Vinh                                                              3. IRELAND’S STRATEGY.....................................................................................................10
                                                    Chiang Mai                VIENTIANE                    LA
                                                                                                            O
                                                                                        Nong Khai
                                                                                                                 PD
                       Yangon
                                                                                                                     R                                                                                OUR PEOPLE ...................................................................................................................11
          Pathein
                                                                                                                                                       Hue
                                                                                                                                                          Danang        Hoang Sa
                                                                  THAILAND                                                                                 Hoi An
                                                                                                                                                                          Arch
                                                                                                                                                                                                      OUR VALUES....................................................................................................................13
                                                                                                                                    Pakse
                                                     Nam Tok                                     Kantharalak

                                                             BANGKOK
                                                                                                                                                                                                      OUR PROSPERITY ...........................................................................................................17
                                                                                                                                Mek ong R

                                                                                                       Angkor Wat
                                            Dawei                                       Siem Reap
                                                                                                            Tonle
                                                                                                           Sap
                                                                      Chantabuni               C AM BO DI A                                                                    Truong Sa
                                                                                                                                                                                 Arch
                                                                                                                                                                                                      OUR PLACE IN EUROPE..................................................................................................18
                                                                                                                                                                   Nha Trang

                                                                                                                         Me
                                                                                                                              kon               Ho Chi Minh City                                      OUR INFLUENCE .............................................................................................................19
                                                                                    Sihanoukville                                   gR
                                                                                                                                            .
                                                                                                                         My Tho
                                                                                                 Phu Quoc
                                                     Sura
                                                     Thani                                                       Ca Mau                                                                           4. MAXIMISING OUR IMPACT ..............................................................................................20

                                                          Krabi
                                              Phuket
                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. INDICATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME BUDGET 2017-2020..................................22

                                                                              Kota Bahru
                                                                 Penang

                                                             MALA YS I A
                                                                      KUALA LUMPUR

                                                                              Malacca
                                                                                                  SINGAPORE

                                                                                           SI N GAP O R E
The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid
4                                                                                                               The Global Island:Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region                                                  5

IREland In VIETnaM and ThE MEkonG SUb-REGIon

                                                                                                                                                                                 LA
                                                                                                                                                                                    O
                                                                                                                                                                                   PD
                                                                                                                                                                                     R
oUR PEOPLE                           oUR VALUES                            oUR PROSPERITY

Support and protect the interests    Support equality and promote          Identify opportunities for Irish
of Irish people and provide a        respect of human rights, with a       trade and investment and support
quality service in response to       strong focus on ethnic minority       Irish business. Provide practical
growing demand for consular          rights, gender equality,              support to two-way trade
services.                            disarmament and economic              missions, business-to-business
                                     growth that is inclusive, equitable   exchanges, institutional linkages,
Support ‘people to people’ links,    and sustainable.                      trade fairs, education fairs, etc.
building relationships through the
                                     Support civil society partners to
                                                                                                                                  oUR PLACE IN EUROPE                                    oUR INFLUENCE
diaspora, promoting Irish culture                                          Work collaboratively with Irish
and sport, and harnessing the        strengthen their own capability for
                                                                           State Agencies for the delivery of
networks of alumni and business      social action and advocacy.
                                                                           an agreed Local Market Plan.                           Actively engage within EU                              Represent and advance Ireland’s
communities from Ireland,            Share ideas and knowledge and                                                                Delegation coordination structures                     policies and interests bilaterally
Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR.       build capacity through the Irish                                                             in Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR                          through local fora and
                                     Development experience and                                                                   and Myanmar to shape the EU                            multilaterally through international
                                     Sharing (IDEAS) programme.                                                                   political, human rights, economic,                     organisations.
                                                                                                                                  trade and development agendas.
                                     Support a regional programme                                                                                                                        Communicate with the public in
                                     focussed on hunger/nutrition, and                                                            Promote and publicise the EU-                          Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR
                                     clearance of mines and                                                                       Vietnam Free Trade Agreement                           to build interest in Ireland and
                                     unexploded ordnance.                                                                         and opportunities for Ireland.                         demand for Irish products and
                                                                                                                                                                                         services.
                                     Strategic engagement with
                                     multilateral partners in support of
                                     the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid
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      SUMMARY                                                                                                     1. INTRODUCTION
This Mission Strategy sets out Ireland’s engagement in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region                   Ireland’s Embassy in Hanoi was established just over ten years ago. The Embassy has
(Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), and Myanmar) for the period 2017-2020.                  accreditations to Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). Embassy Hanoi has
The strategy seeks to serve Irish citizens, to advance Ireland’s interests and prosperity and to           responsibility for a targeted development cooperation programme in Myanmar working in
promote Ireland’s values in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region.                                             collaboration with Ireland’s Embassy Bangkok which is accredited to Myanmar.

This is a new Whole of Mission Strategy with an       ii) Ireland’s prosperity is enhanced through         IREland In VIETnaM and ThE MEkonG                                The evaluation noted that support provided
indicative annual budget of €10 million, over the         trade and investment, people-to-people           SUb-REGIon                                                       towards improving livelihoods and nutrition and for
period 2017-2020, in four countries – Vietnam,            engagement and institutional exchange,                                                                            humanitarian demining in Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao
Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. The Strategy               and through our EU membership                                                                                     PDR and Myanmar was relevant, strategic and
                                                                                                           2016 marked the 20th anniversary of Ireland-
will be managed by Ireland’s Embassy in Hanoi,                                                             Vietnam diplomatic relations. This relationship has              making a positive difference.
                                                      iii) Ireland’s values and influence contribute to
which is accredited to Cambodia and Lao                    a more stable and secure rules-based            been underpinned and strengthened over the past
People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) and has                 international environment, to the protection    ten years by a bilateral Irish Aid development                   The lessons learnt and evaluation have shaped the
responsibility for a targeted development                  of human rights, to reduced inequality and      cooperation programme.                                           development of the new Mission Strategy for
programme in Myanmar; working in partnership               the empowerment of people to participate                                                                         2017-2020.
with Embassy Bangkok which is accredited to                in their own development.                       The Embassy in Hanoi works to promote a
Myanmar.                                                                                                   positive relationship between Ireland and our
                                                      Ireland has had a development cooperation
                                                                                                           partner countries. The Embassy supports Irish
The Mission Strategy is guided by Ireland’s foreign   programme in this region since 2005. Building on
                                                                                                           citizens in the region with consular and passport
policy The Global Island (2015) and Ireland’s         the work, achievements and lessons learned by
                                                                                                           services, promotes trade and investment,
international development policy One World, One       Embassy Hanoi over this period and the
                                                                                                           assisting Irish business in accessing this fast
Future (2013) and ensures the delivery of targeted    evaluation of the 2011-2016 programme,
                                                                                                           growing market, delivers on Ireland’s values and
outputs across the priority areas identified in       development cooperation will remain central to the
                                                                                                           development commitments and engages with the
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s   strategy with a focus on addressing vulnerability
                                                                                                           Irish diaspora and host communities to promote
Statement of Strategy (2016-2019): (i) supporting     and reducing poverty and inequality, in line with
                                                                                                           Irish cultural events.
our people; (ii) promoting our values; (iii)          Ireland’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for
                                                      Sustainable Development. The Mission Strategy
advancing our prosperity; (iv) engaging actively in                                                        lEaRnInG FRoM and bUIldInG on                                      Irish aid is the Government of
the European Union; and (v) strengthening our         for the 2017-2020 period seeks to achieve five
                                                      major outcomes:
                                                                                                           EXPERIEnCE                                                         Ireland’s official aid programme
influence.
                                                                                                                                                                              administered by the development
                                                                                                           Vietnam has been an Irish Aid Key Partner Country
The proposed Mission Strategy also aligns closely     >   outcome 1: Efficient and effective passport,                                                                        Cooperation division of the
                                                                                                           since 2005 and the development cooperation
                                                          consular and diaspora services in Vietnam,                                                                          department of Foreign affairs and
with the Sustainable Development Goals of the                                                              programme has, to date, been guided by an Irish
                                                          Cambodia and Lao PDR.
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and           >   outcome 2: Strengthened bilateral                Aid Country Strategy Paper. The evaluation of the                  Trade (dFaT), working globally on
the commitment to address climate change under            relationships and influence for Ireland in       Irish Aid Country Strategy for Vietnam and the                     behalf of the Irish people to address
the provisions of the Paris Agreement.                    Vietnam and the sub-region.                      Mekong Sub-region (2011 - 2015) confirmed the                      vulnerability and reduce poverty and
                                                      >   outcome 3: Increased two-way trade and           positive achievements realised with Ireland’s
The Embassy’s over-arching mission is to serve            investment, including strong educational and                                                                        inequality in some of the poorest
                                                                                                           support in Vietnam, particularly on ethnic minority
Irish citizens, advance Ireland’s interests and           research linkages in Vietnam and the Mekong      poverty reduction, supporting civil society and                    and most marginalised communities
prosperity and to promote Ireland’s values. The           Sub-region.                                                                                                         in the World. The Irish aid
                                                                                                           building institutional capacity in Vietnamese State
Mission Strategy 2017-2020 is framed around           >   outcome 4: Marginalised and vulnerable
                                                          communities in Vietnam and the Mekong sub-       institutions through the innovative IDEAS (Ireland’s               programme is an integral part of
three high level objectives:                                                                               Development and Experience Sharing)
                                                          region are more resilient to economic, social,                                                                      Ireland’s foreign policy.
                                                          and environmental stresses and shocks,           programme. The evaluation recommended
i)   Ireland’s people in the region are well              supported by more inclusive economic growth      continued engagement in these key areas.
     served, better protected and more closely            and accountable institutions.
     connected;                                       >   outcome 5: The Embassy is fit for purpose to
                                                          deliver a coherent whole-of-Embassy
                                                          approach and ensure the optimum use of
                                                          resources.
The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid
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      2. GUIDING POLICIES                                                                                                             onE WoRld onE FUTURE:
The Mission Strategy is guided by Ireland’s foreign policy The Global Island (2015) and Ireland’s
                                                                                                                                       FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION
international development policy One World, One Future (2013). The protection of our citizens
and the promotion of our values and our interests abroad are at the core of Ireland’s foreign policy.

ThE Global ISland: IREland’S                             our development cooperation programme, human
                                                                                                                                                                                 1
                                                                                                                                                                                GLOBAL
CoMMITMEnT To ValUES baSEd FoREIGn                       rights policies, peacekeeping, disarmament and                                                                         HUNGER
PolICy                                                   security policies; our approach to trade promotion;

The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a
                                                         and our growing engagement with global issues
                                                                                                                                            7                                                                2
Changing World, was launched in January, 2015.
                                                         including climate change.
                                                                                                                                     HUMANITARIAN                                                          FRAGILE
                                                                                                                                      ASSISTANCE                                                            STATES
The policy lays down the goals and key areas of          IREland’S PolICy FoR InTERnaTIonal
focus of the Government of Ireland’s global              dEVEloPMEnT

                                                         Ireland’s Policy for International Development One
engagement to safeguard our peace, security and
economic prosperity and to make a distinctive and
                                                         World, One Future (2013) sets out a vision of “a

                                                                                                                                                                         7
principled contribution to the collective
international effort to build a better world.

The Global Island identifies five priority areas of
                                                         sustainable and just world, where people are
                                                         empowered to overcome poverty and hunger and
                                                                                                                              6
                                                                                                                          HUMAN RIGHTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       3
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     CLIMATE
focus:                                                   fully realise their rights and potential.”                           AND                                                                                  CHANGE AND
                                                                                                                         ACCOUNTABILITY                                                                            DEVELOPMENT

           To serve our people at home and               Ireland’s engagement in the international
           abroad                                        development agenda is focused on three goals:

           To work for a fairer, more just,                  1   Reduced hunger, stronger resilience
           secure and sustainable world
                                                             2
                                                                 Sustainable development, inclusive
                                                                 economic growth
                                                                                                                                            5
                                                                                                                                        ESSENTIAL
                                                                                                                                                                                                             4
                                                                                                                                                                                                          TRADE AND
           To advance Ireland’s prosperity by                                                                                                                                                             ECONOMIC
                                                                                                                                         SERVICES
           promoting our economic interests                      Better governance, human rights and                                                                                                       GROWTH
           internationally                                   3   accountability
           To protect and advance Ireland’s
           values and interests in Europe
                                                         A Framework for Action to deliver on these goals
                                                         sets out seven priority areas for action:
           Strengthen our influence and our
           capacity to deliver our goals                                                                       CoMMITMEnT To a MoRE SUSTaInablE                                     Ireland is convinced that the principle of
                                                         >   Global hunger
                                                         >   Fragile States                                    WoRld                                                                multilateralism offers the best approach to tackle
                                                         >   Climate Change and development                                                                                         the complex and interconnected issues facing the
The Global Island reaffirms Ireland’s principled         >   Trade and Economic Growth                         In this Mission Strategy, Ireland is committed to                    world and, in line with Ireland’s Multilateral
engagement in foreign policy and our commitment          >   Essential Services                                supporting partner governments in achieving the                      Strategy, will ensure our multilateral assistance
to promoting our values across everything we do.         >   human Rights and accountability                   aims of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable                      support in this region is focussed and strategic in
It sets out Ireland’s support for a fairer, more just,   >   humanitarian assistance
                                                                                                               Development Goals and will work across the three                     order to deliver identifiable results.
more secure and more sustainable world through                                                                 dimensions of sustainable development –
                                                                                                               environmental, social and economic –
                                                                                                               encouraging multiple stakeholders to work
                                                                                                               together.
The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid
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     3. IRELAND’S STRATEGY
oVERall Goal and objECTIVES                           outcome 4: Marginalised and vulnerable
                                                      communities are more resilient to economic, social
                                                                                                                                                                                oUR PEOPLE
                                                      and environmental stresses and shocks supported
The Embassy’s over-arching mission is to serve        by more inclusive economic growth and
Irish citizens, advance Ireland’s interests and       accountable institutions:
prosperity and to promote Ireland’s values in
                                                      >   Economic growth is more inclusive and
Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region. The Mission
                                                          sustainable and institutions are more
Strategy 2017-2020, seeks to achieve three high
                                                          accountable and transparent in Vietnam,
level objectives:                                                                                             ThE ConTEXT
                                                          Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar
                                                      >   Civil society and citizens in Vietnam,
i) Ireland’s people in the region are well                                                                    There is a growing Irish community in Vietnam (600) and a small active Irish community in Cambodia
                                                          Cambodia and Lao PDR are empowered to
     served, better protected and more closely                                                                and Lao PDR. In addition, the number of Irish visitors to Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region continues
                                                          realise their rights and participate in their own
     linked;                                                                                                  to grow (approximately 15,000 people per annum). There is an active inter-country adoption agreement
                                                          development
ii) Ireland’s prosperity is enhanced through                                                                  between Ireland and Vietnam. There are also a growing number of applications for business and study
                                                      >   Vietnamese ethnic minority household                visas to Ireland from Vietnamese citizens.
     trade, investment, EU and people-to-people
                                                          economies are grown in a climate-smart,
     engagement and institutional exchange; and
                                                          gender and nutrition sensitive way
iii) Ireland’s values and influence contribute to a
                                                      >   Environmental, economic, health and safety
     more stable and secure rules-based
                                                          risks to vulnerable communities in Vietnam,
     international environment, the protection of
                                                          Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar are
     human rights, reduced inequalities and the
                                                          reduced
     empowerment of people to participate in
     their own development.
                                                      outcome 5: Embassy is fit for purpose to deliver a
                                                      coherent whole-of-Embassy approach and ensure
MISSIon STRaTEGy oUTCoMES
                                                      the optimum use of resources.

In order to meet these objectives, the Embassy
will adopt a Whole of Embassy approach working        MISSIon STRaTEGy dElIVERy
across the foreign policy, consular, trade and
development fields towards the achievement of         The Mission Strategy 2017-2020 will support an
five outcomes with specific outcomes identified       integrated approach building synergies,
under development cooperation programming             complementarity and coherence across all areas
which will represent the largest part of the          of work (consular, political, trade, cultural
mission’s financial expenditure. The intended         promotion and development cooperation) with a
outcomes are:                                         series of outputs collectively delivering against all
                                                      five outcomes. It is proposed that, for the Mission
outcome 1: Efficient and effective passport,          Strategy 2017-2020, development cooperation
consular and diaspora services in Vietnam,            funding to Vietnam will be maintained at a steady
Cambodia and Lao PDR;                                 level and emphasis will be placed on the poorest
outcome 2: Strengthened bilateral relationships       and most vulnerable sectors of Vietnamese
and influence in Vietnam and the Mekong sub-          society. Thereafter, in 2021, aid flows from Ireland
region;                                               to Vietnam will decrease to minimal levels.
                                                      Transparent and timely communication of this
outcome 3: Increased two-way trade and
investment, including educational linkages;           intention for transition has already begun through
                                                      high-level dialogue with representatives of the
                                                      national government, local organisations and
                                                      development partners.
                                                                                                              Saigon Gaels, an Irish Gaelic football club in ho Chi Minh City
The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid
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                                                                                 oUR PEOPLE                                                                                                                         oUR VALUES

                                                                                                                                          ThE ConTEXT                                                      Creating better economic opportunities for the
                                                                                                                                                                                                           poor and non-poor can help accelerate poverty
                                                                                                                                          Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar are                       alleviation, especially through job creation, private
                                                                                                                                          among the poorest members of the Association of                  sector growth and investments in education and
                                                                                                                                          Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). All these                       social protection.
                                                                                                                                          countries suffered serious economic losses from
                                                                                                                                          conflict and underdevelopment and are still in the               Myanmar, which has made a historic recent
                                                                                                                                          process of developing their economies and                        transition towards democracy is taking important
                                                                                                                                          societies.                                                       steps to address sustainable development but
                                                                                                                                                                                                           remains one of the poorest countries in the world,
                                                                                                                                          Vietnam, in particular, has developed rapidly with               with very low development indicators, ongoing
                                                                                                                                          a massive transition from a centrally planned                    active conflict and multiple humanitarian
                                                                                                                                          economy to an emerging lower middle income                       challenges.
                                                                                                                                          market which prioritises global integration. The
                                                                                                                                          Vietnamese economy has made real progress and                    WhaT WE WIll do
                                                                                                                                          Vietnam is now a lower-middle income country.
                                                                                                                                          Economic growth is still fragile and wealth                      The Embassy will use political and public
hanoi became the first city in South East asia to join Ireland's Global Greening Campaign 2017 and ly Thai To Park has become the 100th   distribution is unequal, with poverty rates among                diplomacy in the region to promote Ireland’s
landmark in the world to go green for St. Patrick’s day, together with iconic landmarks in 35 countries                                   ethnic minorities significantly higher than the                  values and interests:
                                                                                                                                          general population, compounded by disadvantage
 In a region with a vibrant cultural life, Irish culture,                 Ireland which helps to maximise opportunities                   across a range of other development indicators                   >   On the basis of our values, we will implement
 arts and sport can be leveraged to great effect to                       for business, study, travel, people-to-people                   such as health and education.                                        Ireland’s “signature” foreign policy agenda –
 increase the visibility of Ireland and build bilateral                   linkages and the promotion of Ireland.                                                                                               to support equality and promote respect of
 relationships. There are active Gaelic Athletic                     >    The Embassy will promote cultural relations                     Cambodia has made exceptional progress in                            human rights, with a strong focus on ethnic
 Association (GAA) clubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh                         through support for and by staging a range of                   terms of economic growth and poverty reduction                       minority rights, gender equality, disarmament
 City. The Ireland Vietnam Alumni Network now has                         cultural, community, sport and heritage                         and is now classified as a lower-middle income                       and economic growth that is inclusive and
 nearly 200 members with networks in Hanoi and                            projects. These events provide scope to                         economy by the World Bank Group. All three                           equitable.
 Ho Chi Minh City and a ‘friends of Ireland’ group                        engage the talents of Irish teachers, artists,                  major sectors – agriculture, industry, and services              >   As part of Ireland’s commitment to effective
 on social media networks is growing quickly.                             sports people and business people in the                        – contributed to this growth. However, there                         multilateral action, seek support from partner
                                                                          region and link them with local counterparts                    remains many challenges for Cambodia to                              countries for Ireland’s leadership role in the
                                                                          and host communities.                                           address, in particular, growing inequality –                         UN system, with a key emphasis on Ireland’s
 WhaT WE WIll do                                                     >    The Embassy will support volunteer and                          including income disparity, regional disparity                       2020 UN Security Council campaign
                                                                          exchange programmes through engagement                          between the urban population and the rural poor                  >   Represent and advance Ireland’s policies and
 >     The Embassy will ensure that the needs and                         and small grants including for music, arts and                  and gender disparity.                                                interests multilaterally through international
       welfare of our people will remain at the heart                     Gaelic Athletic Association activities.                                                                                              organisations in the region and actively
       of the work of the Embassy with a focus on                    >    The Embassy will continue to work with the                      Lao PDR is one of the fastest growing economies                      engage in EU fora in each country to shape
       quality services for citizens and ensuring that                    Ireland Vietnam Alumni Network and support                      in the East Asia and Pacific region. While poverty                   and strengthen the EU’s approach.
       services remain responsive to need.                                its development as a lead partner in                            has declined significantly and is now 23.2 percent,
 >     The Embassy will prioritise facilitating visa                      organising promotional and cultural projects                    growth is not benefiting all people equally.
       processing for visitors from the region to                         and activities.
The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid
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                                                             oUR VALUES                                                                                                                    oUR VALUES

development cooperation efforts in Vietnam               Programme 135, Ireland will provide multi-
will remain focussed on ethnic minority                  annual support to a small number of non-
development where Ireland brings added value             government organisations, working in the
and has a strong track record:                           targeted provinces, in order to pilot and scale
                                                         up new models in ethnic minority
>    Building on support to date, the Embassy will       empowerment with a strong emphasis on:
     strengthen a comprehensive partnership with         food and nutrition security; women’s
     the Ministerial-level Committee for Ethnic          empowerment; water; sanitation and hygiene;
     Minority Affairs (CEMA) in Vietnam;                 and education. Climate-smart models which
>    The Embassy will provide funding to the             integrate gender equality concerns will be
     Government of Vietnam’s Programme 135 for           prioritised, as well as community ownership
     ethnic minorities in targeted provinces.            and sustainability of the projects;
     Ireland’s support will be additional to         >   Greater engagement on the broader poverty
     Vietnamese government funding and will be           reduction environment with other key
     targeted to extremely poor communes to              Ministries and the Vietnam Development
     improve socio-economic infrastructure and           Forum will be ensured through the Ethnic
     service accessibility;                              Minority Working Group which Ireland
>    To complement and strengthen support to             currently co-chairs with the UN.

                                                                                                           Ireland has provided more than €30 million to the Government of Vietnam’s Programme 135 for Ethnic Minority development in the
                                                                                                           period 2011-2016 which specifically funded 320 small scale community infrastructure projects in the poorest ethnic minority areas of
                                                                                                           Vietnam including clinics, school rooms, rural access roads, market places.

                                                                                                           The Irish development Experience and Sharing                        >    Provide targeted scholarships for students
                                                                                                           (IdEaS) programme will support capacity-                                 from the region to study in Ireland with a
                                                                                                           building and strengthen strategic linkages                               focus on labour market skills and science,
                                                                                                           between Ireland and Vietnam in the education;                            technology, engineering and mathematics as
                                                                                                           agriculture; agri-food; and business and                                 well as some opportunities for business
                                                                                                           economic sectors:                                                        development and entrepreneurship;
                                                                                                                                                                               >    Build co-operation between universities and
                                                                                                           >    Support peer-to-peer institutional links                            research institutions in Vietnam and Ireland
                                                                                                                between Ireland and Vietnam. Agriculture,                           using modest seed funding through the
                                                                                                                education, private sector development and                           Vietnam Ireland Bilateral Education Exchange
                                                                                                                economic development have been identified                           (VIBE) programme.
                                                                                                                by Vietnamese partners as priority areas for
                                                                                                                experience-sharing and capacity
                                                                                                                development;
The Global Island: Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region - Mission Strategy of the Embassy of Ireland, Vietnam 2017-2020 - Irish Aid
16                                                                                                             The Global Island:Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region                                                      17

                                                                oUR VALUES                                                                                                      oUR PROSPERITY

Provide support to national and international           Embassy will adopt a responsive approach that          ThE ConTEXT                                                       WhaT WE WIll do
civil society partners to strengthen their own          focuses modest funding on hunger/nutrition,
capability for research, for building networks,         civil society support and demining and UXo             Vietnam is open for business. With a population of                >   Support Irish business to enter the market
and for creating coalitions for advocacy:               clearance:                                             93 million and a growing middle class seeking                         and grow existing business, particularly in the
                                                                                                               high quality goods and services, Vietnam presents                     context of market diversification and
>    Prioritise support to strengthen the capacity      >   Provide funding in Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao          huge potential for the further development of trade                   mitigating the negative impact of Brexit.
     of civil society organisations aimed at                PDR and Myanmar for humanitarian mine              relations between Ireland and Vietnam. Currently                  >   Work collaboratively with Irish State Agencies,
     influencing policy response and service                action focused on the clearance of mines and       three priority sectors have been identified, i.e.                     chairing a local market team for the delivery of
     delivery in favour of groups that are                  unexploded ordnance (UXO), mine risk               higher education, aviation and agri-business, with                    an agreed Local Market Plan for Vietnam,
     marginalised on the basis of gender, migrant           education and disability support, with a strong    possibilities also emerging in the ICT, medical                       focussed on the three priority sectors of
     status, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity or          gender lens;                                       devices and clean energy sectors.                                     higher education, aviation and agri-business,
     disability;                                        >   Provide funding to partner organisations for a                                                                           whilst remaining open to potential new priority
>    Through the Embassy networks, encourage                regional programme to reduce stunting and          The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EV-FTA) is                       sectors in clean energy, ICT and medical
     respect for the basic rights necessary for civil       malnutrition by increasing rates of exclusive      expected to enter into force in 2018 and will allow                   devices.
     society to grow and flourish.                          breastfeeding and improving complementary          two-way trade and investment to be brought to                     >   Provide assistance to the Irish Business
                                                            feeding practices;                                 new levels.                                                           Association of Vietnam (IBAV) and Irish
The regional aspect of the development                  >   Provide support to address fragility and the                                                                             businesses including introductions and
programme presents a very high needs context                transition in Myanmar, in particular, funding to   The establishment of the ASEAN Economic                               information about the market and negotiation
and a high risk burden. as a non-resident                   strengthen food and nutrition security and         Community will also facilitate greater trade with                     of market access as well as procurement
donor in Cambodia, lao PdR and Myanmar, the                 livelihoods.                                       the region in the long term. This is a potential                      opportunities.
                                                                                                               market of 600 million consumers which offers key                  >   Provide high-quality and accessible
                                                                                                               business opportunities. Vietnam can be used as a                      information to Irish State Agencies and Irish
                                                                                                               gateway to enter these markets.                                       businesses operating in Vietnam in sectors of
                                                                                                                                                                                     interest and help to popularise the EV-FTA in a
                                                                                                               Irish State Agencies including Enterprise Ireland,                    way that assists Irish business.
                                                                                                               IDA Ireland and An Bord Bia are present in the                    >   Promote and provide practical support to
                                                                                                               Asia region (with staff co-located in Ireland’s                       two-way trade missions, business-to-
                                                                                                               Embassy in Singapore). Ireland’s new trade and                        business exchanges, institutional linkages,
                                                                                                               investment strategy Ireland Connected: Trading                        trade fairs, education fairs, conferences and
                                                                                                               and Investing in a Dynamic World (2017)                               visa processing.
                                                                                                               emphasises the importance of the continued                        >   Build a positive image of Ireland in Vietnam
                                                                                                               diversification of our export markets and will guide                  through a defined communications strategy
                                                                                                               our efforts to harness opportunities for Irish trade                  and leverage relationships across all areas of
                                                                                                               and investment.                                                       the work of the Embassy to strengthen
                                                                                                                                                                                     Ireland’s network of friends in Vietnam and the
                                                                                                                                                                                     Mekong Sub-region.
Irish aid supports humanitarian mine action and the
clearance of unexploded ordnance in Vietnam, Cambodia
and lao PdR. This is a halo Trust Clearance and Mine
Risk Education session in Cambodia.
18                                                                                                           The Global Island:Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region                                                     19

                                                                  oUR PLACE
                                                                                                                                                                              oUR INFLUENCE
                                                                   IN EUROPE

ThE ConTEXT                                           WhaT WE WIll do                                        ThE ConTEXT                                                      WhaT WE WIll do

Ireland’s capacity to promote our values and          >   Actively engage within the EU Delegation           Ireland has built a solid foundation of strong                   >   Hold timely high-level political consultations in
advance our interests through the projection of our       coordination structures in Vietnam,                bilateral political and development cooperation                      each country. Monitor, analyse and report on
foreign policy is greatly enhanced by EU                  Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar to shape             relationships in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR.                      political developments in Vietnam, Cambodia
membership. The social dimension of the EU with           the EU political, human rights, economic,          However, Ireland’s profile is not well known at a                    and Lao PDR and on broader regional issues,
its focus on human rights, labour rights, gender          trade and development agendas. The                 wider level by the citizens of these countries.                      including engagement in ASEAN.
equality, non-discrimination and environmental            Embassy will actively support Ireland’s            Building recognition and awareness of the Ireland                >   Support two-way high-level visits between
protection reflects a distinctively European set of       engagement in the Asia-Europe Meeting              brand is key to strengthening our access and                         Ireland and Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR
values shared by Ireland.                                 Summit.                                            outreach and maximising our external influence.                      as such exchanges have proven important for
                                                      >   In Vietnam specifically, the Embassy will work                                                                          building the relationship and for productive
The EU has delegations in Vietnam, Cambodia,                                                                 The development cooperation programme
                                                          within the scope of the EU-Vietnam                                                                                      engagement with government.
Lao PDR and Myanmar that provide an important                                                                continues to create a strong identity for a distant
                                                          Framework Agreement on comprehensive                                                                                >   Represent and advance Ireland’s policies and
platform of engagement for Ireland at country                                                                and small European country such as Ireland and
                                                          Partnership and Cooperation (PCA).                                                                                      interests multilaterally through international
level. In these countries, the EU adopts a broad-                                                            provides a strong medium for the Embassy’s
                                                      >   The Embassy will actively engage in shaping                                                                             organisations and bilaterally through local fora.
based and mutually beneficial partnership                                                                    relations in the region.
                                                          EU development programmes to ensure they                                                                            >   Grow and deepen public outreach in a way
approach where matters of politics, development
                                                          benefit the poorest and most vulnerable                                                                                 that builds interest in Ireland and builds
and trade are inherently linked to issues of good                                                            We will continue to advance shared global values
                                                          groups.                                                                                                                 demand for Irish products and services.
governance, democracy, peace and security,                                                                   through dialogue on human rights and
                                                      >   Concerns about human rights remain a major
respect for human rights, sustainable                                                                        accountability, inequality, disarmament and other
                                                          theme in EU-partner country relations. The
development and the rule of law. The implications                                                            issues. Our engagement in EU fora in each
                                                          Embassy will continue to engage actively to
of Brexit for the EU and these four countries have                                                           country provides an important platform for
                                                          promote respect for human rights, including
yet to be fully analysed.                                                                                    influence beyond our national capacity.
                                                          through the annual EU Human Rights
The European Union and its Member States as a             Dialogue.
whole continue to be among the largest donors of      >   The Embassy will work to promote and               In Vietnam, in particular, the on-going
official development assistance (ODA) in the four         publicise the EU-Vietnam Free Trade                diversification of Ireland’s suite of engagements
countries.                                                Agreement and represent Ireland’s position         will provide opportunities to increase our visibility
                                                          post-Brexit to identify opportunities that might   and influence through creating space for public
The EU is one of the largest foreign investors in         arise for Irish trade and investment. More         discourse, sharing of Ireland’s economic
Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region.                        broadly on trade matters, the Embassy will         development experience and facilitating
                                                          work in cooperation with EuroCham (the             academic, civil society, media and cultural links
                                                          European Chamber of Commerce) and the              between Ireland and Vietnam.
                                                          EU-Vietnam Business Network in providing
                                                          support to Irish businesses.
20                                                                                                           The Global Island:Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region                                                                       21

     4. MAXIMISING OUR IMPACT

The current environment of constrained resources       PUTTInG GEndER aT ThE CEnTRE
and pressurised budgets in Ireland means that,
now more than ever before, we must maximise the        Research has demonstrated that gender equality
impact of our efforts, plan for and achieve results,   and the empowerment of women and girls are
measure performance and demonstrate                    central to inclusive development and the
accountability. The Embassy will ensure that           achievement of human rights. The Embassy is
Ireland’s collective efforts in Vietnam and the        committed to prioritising and promoting gender
Mekong Sub-region are more than the sum of its         equality in all our work. All programmes will
parts. We will do this in a number of ways.            include a gender analysis; sex-disaggregated data
                                                       will be collected; and gender indicators will be
WholE oF EMbaSSy aPPRoaCh                              incorporated into systems for monitoring and
                                                       evaluation across the Embassy’s work. In keeping
Results can best be achieved when systems,             with the commitment of the Department of Foreign
structures, policies and actions complement each       Affairs and Trade to gender equality and diversity,
other. The new Mission Strategy will adopt a           the Embassy will work to ensure it is an inclusive
Whole of Embassy approach to advance our               workplace and that Embassy staff have equality of
political, economic and development partnerships       opportunity.
in a consistent manner. It will support an
integrated approach, building synergies and            PUblIC dIPloMaCy and InFlUEnCInG
                                                                                                             President of Ireland Michael d. higgins, accompanied by Minister of Foreign affairs and Trade Mr. Charles Flanagan, T.d., met with
coherence across all areas of work.                                                                          ethnic minority communities in Vinh o commune, Quang Tri province. The State visit in november, 2016 marked twenty years of
                                                       The Embassy will use traditional and social media     diplomatic relations between Ireland and Vietnam and provided an exceptional promotional opportunity for Ireland, which the
                                                       platforms to communicate and grow Ireland’s           Embassy worked to ensure was harnessed to the maximum effect
We value the strength and potential of the
Embassy and ‘Team Ireland’ in Vietnam. We will         positive reputation, create a distinctive identity
strive for a positive and productive work place in     and enhance the way people view our country in
the Embassy to support a diverse and dynamic           Vietnam. These platforms will deliver information     EnhanCEd PaRTnERShIPS                                               EValUaTIon and lEaRnInG
workplace and team approach and the                    in a timely fashion on services available including
development of staff capacity to deliver Ireland’s     in relation to passports, citizenship and visas;      The Embassy is committed to working through                         Systematic learning through reviews, evaluations
goals. We are committed to working                     explain the work of the Embassy, Irish foreign        partnership to foster relationships, deliver                        and internal/external audits will allow for better
collaboratively and innovatively with Ireland’s        policy and key values; and showcase Ireland’s rich    services, implement programmes, leverage                            resource allocation and maximum impact;
State Agencies and Institutions which are critical     cultural heritage and promote Ireland as a high       influence and achieve results. In particular,                       underpinning results-based management.
to advancing Ireland’s interests.                      quality destination for tourism and education and     working in partnership with our host governments                    Consistent with our commitment to transparency,
                                                       as a reliable and innovative business partner.        to achieve objectives will be key.                                  the results of these reviews will be shared with
aSSURInG QUalITy and ValUE FoR MonEy                                                                                                                                             partners and disseminated as appropriate on the
                                                                                                             In Vietnam, developing and diversifying                             Embassy website.
Ireland is fully committed to results-based                                                                  partnerships between Vietnamese and Irish
management. Embassy Hanoi will work with our                                                                 authorities, institutions, private sector actors and
partners in government, civil society and others to                                                          civil society is increasingly important as Ireland
ensure that they adhere to expected standards of                                                             gradually transitions from bilateral development
accountability and transparency. On an annual                                                                cooperation to new cooperation modalities with
basis, as well as in the planned mid-term review,                                                            Vietnam.
partnerships will be assessed to ensure that their
performance is satisfactory.
22                                                                                                              The Global Island:Ireland in Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region   23

      INDICATIVE DEVELOPMENT
      PROGRAMME BUDGET 2017-2020
The budget for development cooperation for the          Ireland’s capacity to make a difference over the life
strategy period is based on an annual figure of         of the strategy; and Ireland’s strategic interests in
€10 million for Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR and          Vietnam and the Mekong Sub-region. Embassy
Myanmar (see Table below). The allocation of the        Hanoi will manage this budget to ensure a focus
budget is based on an assessment of poverty and         on results, mutual accountability and value-for-
vulnerability; the current scale and effectiveness of   money.
ODA and the associated risks in partner countries;

 oUTCoME aREa                2017          2018           2019          2020          Total         %
                             €             €              €             €             €
 1. Economic growth is       1,770,000     1,760,000      1,740,000     1,720,000     6,990,000     17.5%
 more inclusive and
 sustainable and
 institutions are more
 accountable and
 transparent

 2. Civil society and        1,200,000     1,200,000      1,200,000     1,200,000     4,800,000     12%
 citizens are empowered
 to realise their rights and
 participate in their own
 development

 3. Vietnamese ethnic        4,200,000     4,200,000      4,200,000     4,200,000     16,800,000    42%
 minority household
 economies grown in a
 climate-smart, gender
 and nutrition sensitive
 way

 4. Regional Support –      2,510,000      2,510,000      2,510,000     2,510,000     10,040,000    25.1%
 Environmental,
 economic, health and
 safety risks to vulnerable
 communities in Vietnam,
 Cambodia, Lao PDR and
 Myanmar reduced

 5. Programme Quality        320,000       330,000        350,000       370,000       1,370,000     3.4%
 and Support

 oVERall ToTal               10,000,000    10,000,000     10,000,000 10,000,000       40,000,000    100%
24

Embassy of Ireland
2nd Floor Sentinel Place Building
41A Ly Thai To Street
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Hoan Kiem District
Hanoi, Vietnam
Email: irishembassyhanoi@dfanet.ie
www.embassyofireland.vn
www.facebook.com/irishembassyinvietnam
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