In 40 years of national renewal, Vietnam has achieved significant milestones. It has become a leading food exporter, ranks 40th globally economically, and its import-export turnover is in the top 20 worldwide. Vietnam’s international status has grown steadily. These achievements have been due in large part to contributions by overseas Vietnamese.

Overseas Vietnamese community grows steadily

The overseas Vietnamese community of 6 million people living in 130 countries and territories (80% of them in developed nations)  have integrated deeply into all sectors of their host societies. They have become an important resource for Vietnam's development. Globally, a growing number of Vietnamese are excelling in politics, science, business, and the arts, earning the respect of their host communities. Many Vietnamese intellectuals and experts work at prestigious institutions and multinational corporations.

With their intelligence, resilience, and strong cultural traditions, overseas Vietnamese have gradually asserted their position in their host countries. At the same time they have remained strongly connected to their homeland, contributing to national development.

In the wake of typhoon Yagi, which has severely impacted Vietnam, overseas Vietnamese have demonstrated solidarity by launching numerous support efforts.

Ms. Cao Thi Ly, a Vietnamese living in Laos, said:  “Seeing our compatriots suffer from the flooding brings tears to my eyes. We may not have much, but we contribute with all our hearts to our homeland."

Consistent policy on role of overseas Vietnamese

Since the adoption of Politburo Resolution 36 on overseas Vietnamese affairs 20 years ago, numerous meaningful programs have been organized. Initiatives like the “Spring Homeland” program and trips for overseas Vietnamese to attend the Hung Kings' death anniversary and visit Truong Sa island district, Vietnam Summer Camp program, and the Day for Honoring Vietnamese Language have strengthened the emotional connection between Vietnamese expats and their homeland, inspiring their desire to contribute to national development.

At meetings with overseas Vietnamese, Party and State leaders have consistently emphasized their indispensable role in national development and unity.

At the Forum of Overseas Vietnamese Intellectuals and Experts late last month in Hanoi, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said: "The overseas Vietnamese community is an inseparable part and a valuable resource of Vietnam. This is the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and State. Vietnam has a high expectation of overseas Vietnamese in national development and defense. They are a great resource for the nation. Many overseas Vietnamese businesses and people have excelled in various sectors, bringing pride to Vietnam. Their success is the success of the nation.”

The Party and State will continue refining policies to attract talented people and utilize the potential and resources of the diaspora. Vietnam will continue to promote international cooperation to safeguard the rights and interests of overseas Vietnamese and help them stabilize their lives, integrate and thrive in their host society.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said:  “I strongly believe that with the deep concern of the Party and State and the unity between people at home and abroad, the overseas Vietnamese community will grow stronger and strengthen unity, contributing to realizing Vietnam’s aspirations for prosperity and happiness."

Vietnam’s policies have encouraged and will continue to encourage national pride and love for the homeland and will strengthen the great national unity among overseas Vietnamese.