Overseas Vietnamese in Singapore advance bilateral relations

The Vietnamese community in Singapore remains united and focused on their homeland, serving as an important bridge to foster comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore.

Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and his wife at the event. Source: VNA

Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man expressed this view during a meeting with representatives of the Vietnamese mission abroad and the Vietnamese community in Singapore on December 1.

At the meeting, Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Mai Phuoc Dung reported that the Vietnamese community in Singapore now numbers over 25,000. The community abides well by local laws, acts as a bridge between the people of both nations and is highly respected by Singapore.

The Embassy, in collaboration with the Community Liaison Committee and the Student Association, has organized practical activities such as Chung Cake Festival celebrations, Mid-Autumn Festival events, and participation in International Migrants' Day, said Dung.

Additionally, Dung reported that the Embassy has worked with the Liaison Committee to provide information to help workers avoid legal complications with local authorities. During the Lunar New Year, the Embassy and the Liaison Committee visited and presented gifts to workers and students who faced difficulties and were unable to return home for the holidays.

At a gathering,   Vu Minh Khuong, a lecturer at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (Singapore), expressed his joy and pride in Vietnam's strong progress in a new era—the era of national advancement. He emphasized the urgency of reforming the political system to create an effective and efficient apparatus.

Khuong also praised National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man's speech on removing institutional bottlenecks and preparing comprehensively for the new era. He lauded the reforms in legislative work during the recent 8th session of the National Assembly, particularly the streamlined drafting of laws, which focused on Parliament’s authority without incorporating decree or circular contents.

Khuong and community representatives expressed confidence and hope that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the nation's strategies and development directions in this new era would soon materialize, paving the way for breakthroughs and substantial progress.

For his part, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man highlighted the visit's goal of advancing bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by 2025. This milestone coincides with Vietnam's 80th National Day, 95th Party Founding Anniversary, 50th Reunification Anniversary, and Singapore's 60th National Day.

Man noted the steady development of Vietnam-Singapore relations, with economic and trade cooperation being a highlight. Singapore is Vietnam's fourth largest trading partner within ASEAN, with approximately 3,800 projects and cumulative investment exceeding $81 billion, making Singapore the second largest investor among 145 countries and territories in Vietnam.

Notably, the 18 Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) across 13 provinces are seen as a symbol of successful economic collaboration. Cooperation in other fields such as education, training, and labor has also been strengthened.

Updating the community on the domestic situation, Man emphasized that despite challenges in 2024, including significant damage caused by Typhoon Yagi, Vietnam's macroeconomy remains stable, inflation is under control, and social welfare is ensured. GDP growth is estimated at 7% for the year, with all 15 socio-economic targets met or exceeded. Diplomatic efforts have been strengthened, enhancing Vietnam's international standing and reputation.

The National Assembly Chairman presents gifts to representatives of the Vietnamese Overseas in Singapore.

Efforts to combat corruption, waste, and negativity continue with no exceptions. Preparations are underway for the 14th Party Congress, which will usher in a new era of national growth.

Regarding the National Assembly’s activities, the 8th session concluded with an extensive legislative agenda, approving 18 laws, and 21 resolutions, and providing initial feedback on 10 draft laws. Key innovations include concise law drafting focused on Parliament's authority, fostering creativity, unlocking resources, and addressing economic bottlenecks.

The Chairman praised the Vietnamese community in Singapore for its solidarity and role as an important bridge in fostering Vietnam-Singapore relations. He reaffirmed the consistent policy of the Party and State to support overseas Vietnamese communities as an integral part of the nation.

Following Politburo Conclusion No. 12-KL/TW on overseas Vietnamese affairs, the National Assembly and Government are improving the legal framework better to connect second and third-generation overseas Vietnamese with their homeland. Initiatives include visa exemptions and revisions to laws on land, housing, business, and identification cards.

Under the 2023  Law on Identification, all Vietnamese citizens are entitled to an identification card regardless of their place of residence.  Under the   2024 Revised Land Law, overseas Vietnamese are entitled to land use rights similar to those of local citizens.

In April, the National Assembly Standing Committee agreed to amend Decree 08/2019/ND-CP, enhancing benefits for members of Vietnamese agencies abroad. Chairman Tran Thanh Man recognized the Embassy's efforts to overcome challenges and accomplish assigned tasks. He emphasized the Party, State, and National Assembly's commitment to supporting Vietnam's missions abroad in contributing to national development and protection.

Going forward, the Chairman urged the Ambassador and Embassy staff to maintain unity, address challenges, and support the Vietnamese community in Singapore. The Embassy should also strengthen Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership relations, including parliamentary cooperation, with a view to upgrading ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.