Vietnamese overseas: Key factor in people-to-people diplomacy

The overseas Vietnamese community, having achieved success abroad, plays a crucial role as a significant bridge between Vietnam and the world and an essential contributor to people-to-people diplomacy.

State President Vo Van Thuong at the event. Source: VNA

"Despite living far away from home, our compatriots always nurture and uphold the spirit of patriotism and national pride, preserve cultural traditions, and care for their roots," stated President Vo Van Thuong in a speech to more than 1,500 overseas Vietnamese at the "Hometown Spring 2024" artistic exchange program on February 2 in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the State President, many successful and accomplished overseas Vietnamese individuals actively contribute to their host countries, becoming crucial bridges between Vietnam and the world. They play a vital role in people-to-people diplomacy, positively preserving and spreading the cultural values of the nation, and contributing to the country's international reputation and prestige.

There are now nearly 6 million Vietnamese living in 130 countries and territories. Thuong praised those who have affirmed their worth, becoming exemplary individuals with credibility and influence in the Vietnamese communities abroad, acknowledged by their host countries.

The State President expressed the desire of the Party and the State for overseas compatriots to harness their potential, strengths, and creativity to achieve more success, lead stable lives with increasingly solid legal, economic, and political positions, and deeply integrate into the societies of their host countries. Every Vietnamese overseas's success brings joy and pride to the homeland.

He noted that the Vietnamese community today is becoming more diverse with the continuity of multiple generations. Thuong expressed his hope that the younger generation will stay connected, always carry the homeland in their heart, speak Vietnamese, and be proud of Vietnamese roots and the beautiful traditional values of the nation.

The State President, his wife, and artists taking part in the program.

"We share the same roots, so together we must overcome prejudices and disagreements with an open, respectful, understanding, and trusting spirit. We must work together to achieve national harmony for our country's and people's bright future," the State President stated.

Earlier, at a meeting to commend outstanding overseas Vietnamese, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang mentioned the difficulties faced by overseas compatriots in the past year, but they have made efforts to adapt, stabilize their lives, and continue contributing to the homeland.

As of November 2023, there were 421 projects by overseas Vietnamese in 29 countries and territories that had invested in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of over US$1.72 billion. According to the State Bank of Vietnam's data, remittances in 2023 were estimated to reach $16 billion, a 32% increase compared to 2022. Remittances to Ho Chi Minh City reached nearly $9.5 billion, a 43.3% increase over the same period, marking the highest growth in the past 10 years.

The "Hometown Spring 2024" artistic exchange program featured the participation of many renowned artists from both domestic and overseas Vietnamese communities. This event is part of a series of activities during the "Hometown Spring" program lasting from February 1-2.

On the morning of February 2, State President Vo Van Thuong, along with his wife and over 100 overseas Vietnamese, performed a ritual of releasing carp fish at Nha Rong Wharf in District 4 to bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods. The delegation also participated in activities such as experiencing Metro Line 1, attending a seminar on Resolution 98 regarding special mechanisms for Ho Chi Minh City, and more.

"Hometown Spring" is a spiritual gift to the community of nearly 6 million Vietnamese living, studying, and working abroad. It is also an opportunity for Vietnam's leadership to listen to the thoughts and wishes of overseas compatriots worldwide and to honor groups and individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.