Overseas Vietnamese contribute to development of the nation and international integration in the new context
WVR - Overseas Vietnamese believe that the 14th Party Congress will continue to ignite the global Vietnamese strength, leading the nation steadily on the path of prosperous, civilized, and happy development.
Latest
External relations and international integration
I fully agree with the draft documents of the 14th Party Congress, which identify external relations and international integration as crucial and regular tasks, closely linked with national defense, security, economic, and cultural development.
 |
| Author Pham Khanh Nam, an overseas Vietnamese in Germany. |
In the context of deep globalization, more than 6 million Vietnamese abroad, including over 200,000 in Germany, are becoming a strategic resource for the nation, serving as both a soft power and a bridge for friendship, cooperation, and knowledge transfer between Vietnam and the world.
To harness this potential, I propose:
• Establishing a flexible coordination mechanism between diplomatic missions and overseas Vietnamese associations to effectively implement people-to-people diplomacy, cultural, educational, and economic programs.
• Developing a network of "People's Ambassadors" within the global Vietnamese community, so that every overseas Vietnamese becomes a reliable bridge and close friend of Vietnam on the international stage.
• Promoting the image of an integrated, humane, and innovative Vietnam through cultural-economic exchanges, forums, scientific exhibitions, and educational cooperation.
Innovation and national development
The draft documents identify science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation as central drivers for rapid and sustainable development.
In this trend, the intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and experts among overseas Vietnamese in Germany and other countries have outstanding strengths in fields such as renewable energy, medicine, finance, education, and digital technology.
I recommend:
• Establishing regular connection mechanisms between the network of Vietnamese intellectuals abroad and domestic ministries, sectors, and localities to share experiences, provide policy advice, and collaborate on research and technology transfer.
• Creating specific funds or programs to support overseas Vietnamese in investing and starting innovative businesses in Vietnam, including incentives on procedures, intellectual property protection, and the transfer of green technology and clean energy.
• Encouraging the model of "overseas intellectuals returning home for short-term projects", to leverage global expertise while accommodating the flexible working conditions of international experts.
Cultural, educational development and the younger generation of overseas Vietnamese
The draft documents emphasize building a comprehensive Vietnamese person, rich in patriotism, with integration capabilities and knowledge. In overseas Vietnamese affairs, this should be reflected in preserving language, culture, and a connection to roots among the younger generation.
I suggest:
• Enhancing Vietnamese language teaching and learning programs abroad, considering it a long-term cultural-educational task. Models like the Vietnamese Language Class in Frankfurt, actively supported by the Vietnamese Consulate General, are vivid examples of effective state-community cooperation and should be expanded globally.
• Developing a "Vietnamese House" system in countries with large overseas Vietnamese populations, serving as community centers for cultural preservation, legal-career advice, and support for vocational study and young labor. This will be a connecting space, helping overseas Vietnamese feel less homesick and more attached to national culture, actively contributing to their homeland.
• Expanding exchange, internship, and research programs in Vietnam for overseas Vietnamese youth; building a digital platform connecting global Vietnamese youth to share startup ideas, creativity, and social volunteering.
 |
| The 'Huog Sac Viet (Colours of Vietnam)' program connects the community and celebrates the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Germany relations. |
Strengthening national unity
The spirit of "Putting People at the Center" is consistently reflected in the draft documents of the 14th Party Congress. For the overseas Vietnamese community, this is the guiding principle to strengthen trust and foster a deep bond between overseas Vietnamese and the homeland.
Specific proposals:
• Organizing regular policy dialogues between domestic agencies and overseas Vietnamese representatives to ensure the voices of overseas Vietnamese are heard in the policy-making process.
• Simplifying administrative procedures, recognizing qualifications, and facilitating investment, repatriation, and participation in national development projects.
• Making the development of the overseas Vietnamese community a strategic component in building national unity, viewing it as part of the nation's soft power and a foundation for early and remote homeland protection.
The overseas Vietnamese community is an inseparable part of the nation, a significant spiritual and intellectual force in the pursuit of the country's prosperous and happy development.
Leveraging the strength of overseas Vietnamese is about realizing the three major orientations of the draft documents of the 14th Party Congress: Igniting the aspiration for prosperous and happy development so that every Vietnamese, wherever they are, is proud and contributes to the homeland; Building a clean and strong Party and political system, linked with national unity – including over 6 million overseas Vietnamese; Comprehensive and deep international integration, with overseas Vietnamese as an important bridge between Vietnam and the world.
