(VOVworld)- Themed “Vietnam on the road to integration and sustainable development", the 4^th international workshop on Vietnam studies has opened in Hanoi. Drawing more than 1,000 researchers, the workshop reflects the world’s interest in Vietnam.

Vietnam is poised between the world’s largest continent and a special marine economic zone with numerous islands and islets. For centuries, Vietnam has been in contact with other cultures and civilizations in Southeast Asia, India and the West. Before its struggle for national independence, Vietnam was of interest to scholars in China, Russia, France and Eastern Europe. Now, it’s also getting attention from Japanese, Korean, American and Australian scholars. History Professor Phan Huy Le says Vietnam studies have become popular at many universities in many countries. The Japanese Association of Vietnam studies has hundreds of members and holds annual workshops on Vietnam studies. Vietnam research associations have also been founded in the Republic of Korea and the US. In Europe, Vietnam studies group called Euro-Viet holds a biennial workshop on Vietnam. Doctor Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Vietnam Social Sciences Institute says: "Amidst Vietnam’s increasing influence and role as well as its international integration into the region and the world, scholars study Vietnam for more understanding, for sharing and for contribution. The impact map of Vietnam studies has been expanding. Scholars expect to see Vietnam increasing its role in the region and the world. The expansion of this map will help promote the image of Vietnam to the world".

Vietnam’s development has always been the main topic of workshops on Vietnam since the first was held in 1998 themed “Research on Vietnam and strengthening international cooperation”. The second workshop was themed “Tradition and modernity” and the third was “Vietnam’s integration and development”. This year, the workshop focuses on Vietnam’s integration and sustainable growth. Professor Mai Trong Nhuan, Director of Hanoi National University, the workshop’s Chief Organizer says: "Delegates to the workshop will discuss reports and proposals on Vietnam’s integration and sustainable growth, documents to submit to the Party and State and the development of a network of researchers who contribute to understanding Vietnam".