Major Breakthroughs in Attracting Overseas Vietnamese

After five years implementing the Resolution 36 of the Politburo and one year executing the Instruction 19 of the Government, activities regarding the overseas Vietnamese, commonly known as Viet Kieu, have generated better results. In the latest two years, there are many practical activities to meet their repatriation expectations. Notably, these activities highlighted spiritual aspects. Remarkable events included the journey to Con Dao, the Hung King national festival and worship for fallen soldiers.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Thanh Son said: “The biggest and clearest evolution is the change in thought and view of ministries, branches and localities in activities concerning overseas Vietnamese communities. The more they repatriate, the more they understand our nation, progress and development after more than 20 years of doi moi (innovation), know more about policies of the Party and the State and about affections of domestic people for them. Then, they will know their responsibilities and pride in pushing back ferocity of hostile forces inside and outside the overseas Vietnamese communities.”

 

The State preference policies concerning accommodation policy, visa exemption policy, nationality law, investment policy, residence policy, repatriation regulations and inward remittance policy intensify the trust of Viet Kieu.

 

With significant effectiveness and practical significance of activities for Viet Kieu, the Government of Vietnam will continue carry out many other activities to strengthen overseas Vietnamese communities in the world, intensify their solidarity and deepen the love for the fatherland. From now till the end of the year, the commission will organise many activities for Viet Kieu, including worships for fallen soldiers at Trail 9 Cemetery on July 27, National Day on September 2 and commemoration of fallen soldiers at Dien Bien Cemetery. Notably, 600-700 Viet Kieu representing some 4 million overseas Vietnamese will attend the first world Viet Kieu conference in Hanoi in November. Preparatory works are in progress.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Thanh Son said the committee has closely coordinated with Vietnamese representative agencies in other nations to collect database of Viet Kieu. Vietnam will set up associations to strength mutual ties with Viet Kieu if governments of foreign nations permit. Viet Kieu is now a true bridge to link friendship ties between Vietnam and their residing nations.

 

According to statistics in 2007, 94 countries and territories have Vietnamese presence but the figure has jumped to 101 now. Vietnam has set up Vietnamese associations in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. In the near future, similar associations will be set up in Japan and then Germany and other nations.

 

Mr Nguyen Thanh Son noted there are nearly 400,000 Viet Kieu intellects - an untapped invaluable resource. Many of them are great scientists and intellects at world-acclaimed research institutes in developed nations. Via the November meeting, the Vietnamese Government hopes overseas Vietnamese all over the world to make intellectual contributions to national construction and enrichment.

 

In fact, Viet Kieu are very actively investing into Vietnam. They are now operating nearly 3,000 projects with a combined investment capital of US$2 billion. Of the some, more than 60 per cent are operated effectively. Overseas remittances also increased steadily. Each year, the addition is around US$1 billion (in 2007 and 2008). They also actively take part in charity and education programmes.

 

Mr Son said: “Based on outside requirements and inside capacity, we will have concrete steps to attract Viet Kieu brainpower. At present, the State Commission on Overseas Vietnamese has submitted the policy to attract Viet Kieu brainpower to the Secretariat for approval. The contents will be further supplemented after the world Viet Kieu conference in Hanoi in November 2009. There will be breakthrough treatments for Viet Kieu intellects and scientists in this policy.”

“The Government of Vietnam always respect desires and requests of Viet Kieu. The Party and the Government are realising the aspiration of the people to strengthen the national great unity,” Son asserted.