Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh outlines three important directions for the work of Vietnamese people abroad. Photo : Lan Phuong/VOV5

PM Chinh addressed the 4th World Conference of Overseas Vietnamese and the 2024 forum of OV intellectuals and experts, in Hanoi, attended by more than 400 overseas Vietnamese from 42 countries and territories. The PM called on Vietnamese expats to continue promoting solidarity, look towards the homeland, and contribute to the cause of national construction.

He underlined major tasks of Overseas Vietnamese affairs. “First, Overseas Vietnamese affairs must fully demonstrate and promote the tradition of great national solidarity. Second, it is necessary to unlock the great resources and patriotic spirit of our compatriots abroad towards their homeland. Efforts should be made to more strongly and effectively express the feelings, trust and responsibility of the Party and State in taking care of the Vietnamese community abroad. Third, the job needs to be done in a comprehensive and inclusive manner and clearly defines the responsibilities of the entire political system under the leadership of the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam, plus great national solidarity combined with the building of mechanisms and policies and community mobilization and support.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaking at the opening of the conference. Photo: Lan Phuong/VOV5

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of implementing the Politburo's Resolution on Overseas Vietnamese affairs, which he said is an opportunity to learn valuable experiences and lessons to meet the country's development requirements and the legitimate aspirations of the compatriots plus the important role of the Vietnamese community abroad in national development. 

“Over the past 30 years, the remittances transferred to Vietnam have totaled  more than 200 billion USD, equivalent to the disbursement of foreign direct investment capital in the same period. By the end of last year, overseas Vietnamese had invested in 421 projects with a total registered capital of 1.72 billion USD. Thousands of businesses in Vietnam are invested by Vietnamese people residing abroad. Besides those quantifiable numbers, contributions in terms of gray matter and intelligence cannot be measured,” said Minister Son. 

Party and State leaders pose for a photo with overseas Vietnamese attending the 4th World Conference of Overseas Vietnamese. Photo: Lan Phuong/VOV5

During the forum, Vietnamese intellectuals and experts examined ideas on green growth and sustainable development issues of the country. The forum was held within the framework of the fourth national conference on overseas Vietnamese which is getting underway in Hanoi this week to unlock the expatriates’ resources for national development. 

Participants of the 4th World Conference of Overseas Vietnamese and the 2024 forum of OV intellectuals and experts. Photo: Lan Phuong/VOV5