Overseas Vietnamese crucial to national development: PM Chính

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính with delegates and the overseas Vietnamese community. — VNA/VNS Photos Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính expressed his appreciation for the contributions made by Overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and business leaders, highlighting the crucial role they play in national development.

PM Chính made the remarks at the Forum for Vietnamese Intellectuals and Experts Abroad, part of the 4th World Conference of Overseas Vietnamese, which was held in Hà Nội yesterday.

The opening session gathered over 600 delegates, including 400 overseas Vietnamese (OVs) from more than 40 countries and territories, with a focus on the theme: 'Overseas Intellectuals and Experts Offering Ideas for the Nation's Green and Sustainable Development'.

During the event, PM Chính, who is also a Politburo member, delivered three key messages, directions, and priorities to the overseas Vietnamese community.

He praised their commitment to Việt Nam, noting the presence of both seasoned leaders and dynamic young participants at the forum.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the event underscored the Party and State's recognition of the vital role played by the OVs community. He pointed out the deep connection between the homeland and its people abroad, underscoring the ongoing care and concern for overseas compatriots.

Acknowledging the sincere, responsible, and practical contributions of the delegates, PM Chính directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, and relevant agencies to thoroughly gather and incorporate the feedback and to proactively devise appropriate solutions within their functions, duties, and authority.

He also urged them to create more favourable conditions for OVs and to promptly report to higher authorities on issues beyond their remit.

Providing insights into the global and regional situation, the PM noted that despite prevailing peace, local conflicts and tensions persist.

In the global context, the Asia-Pacific-Indian Ocean region and ASEAN are increasingly asserting their roles as dynamic development engines, continuing to lead the world in the 21st century. He acknowledged that while Việt Nam faces both opportunities and challenges, the latter are more significant.

In this context, Việt Nam remains committed to its three foundational elements and six key policies, which have driven historic achievements over nearly 40 years of Đổi mới (Renewal). These accomplishments, the PM said, have bolstered the trust of both domestic and overseas compatriots in the Communist Party and the country's future.

Key messages, directions and priorities

PM Chính outlined three core messages: the inseparable bond between the OVs community and the nation, the Party and State’s enduring commitment to supporting this community, and the expectation that overseas Vietnamese will play a significant role in national construction and defence.

He also laid out three directions, emphasising the importance of national unity, harnessing the resources and patriotism of OVs for the national benefit and ensuring the comprehensive and effective engagement of all citizens and political entities in supporting this community.

Finally, the PM set three priorities: helping OVs stabilise and thrive in their host societies, fostering stronger connections with the homeland, and continuously innovating to encourage contributions from the overseas community to Việt Nam's development.

He also reaffirmed the Party and State's commitment to protecting the legitimate rights of OVs and called on ministries and local authorities to create favourable conditions for their investment and business activities in Việt Nam.

The PM urged the OVs community to remain united and proactive, continuing to contribute to national development, particularly in the fields of science, technology and innovation. He expressed hope that OVs will continue to serve as ambassadors of Việt Nam, promoting the nation's culture and values globally.

Prime Minister Chính with overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and experts.

At the event's opening, Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn said that past conferences in 2009, 2012 and 2016 have provided a platform for OVs and their domestic peers to discuss national development and defence.

He highlighted that policy recommendations from OVs have been incorporated into national policies, resulting in new laws that facilitate their return to work, investment and business in Việt Nam.

He said various initiatives like the 'Homeland Spring' programme and other cultural activities have connected OVs with their roots.

Sơn emphasised the growing influence of the OV community, noting that in the past 30 years, they have sent over US$200 billion in remittances and invested in numerous projects, while their intellectual contributions are invaluable.

The FM said that the current conference is crucial as Việt Nam strives to meet its 2030 and 2045 development goals.

He also highlighted the significance of the 2024 forum of OV intellectuals and experts, the first of its kind under PM Chính's directive, which focuses on sustainable growth and innovation.

For the first time, OV associations have collaborated with domestic agencies to lead discussions on high-tech fields like semiconductors and AI.

Speaking at the conference, Hoàng Đình Thắng, President of the Union of Vietnamese People Associations in Europe, expressed gratitude for the Party and State's support for overseas Vietnamese and voiced his pride in Việt Nam's progress.

He called for policies to facilitate dual citizenship, allow overseas Vietnamese to vote and run for office and for their organisations to join domestic political bodies.

Thắng also urged diplomatic efforts to recognise overseas Vietnamese as ethnic minorities where applicable and to enhance labour agreements and training. He stressed the need for streamlined feedback mechanisms, administrative reforms and the preservation of Vietnamese culture abroad.

An overseas Vietnamese from the Philippines and chairman of Imex Pan Pacific Group, Johnathan Hạnh Nguyễn, commended the government's policies in education and technology, which have improved the investment climate and attracted overseas talent.

He proposed that the government develop strategies to attract young overseas Vietnamese for internships and start-ups in Việt Nam, suggesting a sandbox for testing new technologies, and called for a one-stop service for investment-related support. He also recommended special incentives for innovation centres and policies to encourage participation in tourism and retail investment.

A Google AI researcher, Dr. Lê Viết Quốc, emphasised AI's role in future revolutions and saw it as a major opportunity for Việt Nam. He recommended investing in AI education, creating a strong start-up ecosystem and setting ambitious national goals for AI applications.

He also proposed establishing a high-level advisory council for AI and semiconductor technologies to guide the nation’s efforts in these areas.