On March 28, 2026, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) officially issued Decision No. 586/QD-BTC

On March 28, 2026, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) officially issued Decision No. 586/QD-BTC, establishing the Regulations on the unified management of foreign affairs activities. This Decision officially takes effect from the date of signing and replaces Decision No. 2828/QD-BTC dated December 30, 2016.

Arising from the practical and urgent need to address the sudden increase in foreign affairs activities across MoF units as stipulated in Decree 166/ND-CP dated June 30, 2025, the development of these new regulations was essential. This framework not only ensures legal compliance but also clarifies the leadership role of the MoF Party Committee. It explicitly defines the authority and responsibilities of all levels in managing and executing foreign affairs, creating a robust framework for professional and compliant operations.

The 2026 regulations are structured comprehensively, comprising 5 chapters and 24 articles, stipulating the principles, content, authority, and unified management mechanism for foreign affairs within the Ministry. These regulations apply to units under the Ministry as stipulated in Decree 166/ND-CP dated June 30, 2025; and to officials, civil servants, public employees, and laborers of these units. Notably, this includes Viet Nam Social Security (VSS).

According to the Regulations, the MoF’s key foreign affairs activities include: Negotiating, signing and implementing international treaties and agreements within the Ministry’s functions and duties; organizing outbound and inbound delegations; hosting international conferences and seminars in Vietnam; and executing other international cooperation initiatives.

A highlight of the new Regulations is the clear assignment and decentralization of tasks, from the Ministerial level down to grassroots units, creating proactiveness while ensuring unity in management. All foreign affairs tasks must be performed with a spirit of economy, avoiding waste of state resource, and strictly aligning with national diplomatic strategies. Foreign affairs plans must be approved in advance. The regulations also stipulate strict and detailed procedures for periodic reporting, inspection, and evaluation of the results of the foreign affairs plans.

In addition, the Regulations emphasize the coordination between MoF units and Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad to optimize the organization of overseas delegations (outbound) and the reception of international guests (inbound). Furthermore, financial management is tightened to ensure all expenditures are transparent, reasonable, and within pre-approved budget estimates.

Built on the principles of compliance with current regulations and international practices in foreign affairs, the Regulations on the unified management of foreign affairs activities of the MoF serve as a "compass" ensuring that the international activities are organized professionally and effectively, contributing to enhancing the Ministry's standing in the global arena.

As a specialized unit under the MoF, Viet Nam Social Security plays a crucial role in fulfilling international commitments on social, unemployment, and health insurance. Following the roadmap, in April 2026, Viet Nam Social Security will conduct a comprehensive review to adjust and develop its own Regulations on unified management of foreign affairs specifically for the Viet Nam Social Security system./.