Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc: 'Overseas Vietnamese are a resource that helps the country develop'

According to the Prime Minister, Vietnam's development potential is not limited to the S-shaped strip of land; the more than 4.5 million overseas Vietnamese are a significant resource contributing to the country's overall development.

Speaking to 500 overseas Vietnamese at the World Conference of Overseas Vietnamese on the afternoon of November 12th, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said he was deeply moved and felt a warmth in his heart standing before the overseas Vietnamese community. Although far from their homeland, the national blood continues to flow within them, and their hearts always turn towards their country.

"That sentiment is extremely precious and valuable. The presence of overseas Vietnamese at this conference affirms something very sacred: the potential for national development is not confined solely to the S-shaped strip of land. Wherever there are Vietnamese people, there is Vietnam," the Prime Minister said, extending his warm greetings to overseas Vietnamese around the world as well as those attending the conference.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks before 500 overseas Vietnamese from five continents. Photo: Trung Son

The head of government assessed the presentations as reflecting the concern and heartfelt commitment of overseas Vietnamese. Many new and creative proposals demonstrated responsibility, ranging from flood risk management and pilot projects to startup cities, as well as strategic issues, innovation, science and technology, and investment promotion.

"Last night I read several papers and was truly impressed and appreciative of the dedication and intellect of our compatriots, who contributed practical ideas to the issues that the country and Ho Chi Minh City are grappling with day and night," the Prime Minister said, expressing his emotion upon hearing the stories of overseas Vietnamese starting businesses. Behind these stories of returning to their homeland lies deep affection and a desire to contribute to a more prosperous and civilized country.

"Like the story of Dr. Nguyen Van My, Chairman of the Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs Abroad, even though he is over 60 years old, he still returned to Vietnam to start a business once again. I know that behind that entrepreneurial idea is a deep love for his homeland, his country, and his people," he said.

According to the Prime Minister, successful overseas Vietnamese not only contribute resources and knowledge but also bring Vietnamese brands to the world. The more than 4.5 million overseas Vietnamese are a significant resource contributing to the overall development of the country.

Citing the story of Professor Caroline Kieu Linh Valverde, a Vietnamese-American who diligently taught herself Vietnamese and delivered a speech entirely in Vietnamese, the Prime Minister said it was a vivid example of preserving Vietnamese culture and identity.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc exchanges greetings and inquires about the well-being of overseas Vietnamese. Photo: Trung Son

Preserving Vietnamese culture must begin with the spoken and written language. Many overseas Vietnamese are good examples in preserving national identity. "Investment and remittances are important, but preserving Vietnamese culture and identity is even more important. Each overseas Vietnamese is also an ambassador of Vietnam in the eyes of international friends," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Speaking before the Vietnamese diaspora around the world, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed the Government's determination to reform itself, build a constructive, honest, and proactive government; focusing on perfecting institutions, removing all obstacles, and serving the people and businesses well. At the same time, it will accelerate the implementation of specific and practical action programs to facilitate the mobilization of resources from overseas Vietnamese, contributing to the overall development of the country.

"Each of our overseas compatriots, regardless of their different living circumstances or perhaps differing thoughts about the country, I believe that in their hearts, all of them possess a warm love for their homeland – the place 'each person has only one of'," the Prime Minister reminded.

For the first time, 500 overseas Vietnamese, including experts, businesspeople, and social activists, gathered in Ho Chi Minh City to participate in the World Conference of Overseas Vietnamese, contributing ideas for the city's economic, scientific, and human resource development. Taking place from November 11th to 13th, the conference focused on four thematic sessions, providing input for the development of Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Vietnam in general.

According to VNE