Hanoi (VNA) – A conference to seek ways to tap resources of overseas Vietnamese (OV) and connect localities and businesses is scheduledto take place in the northern port city of Hai Phong from December 26 to 28,heard the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ regular press conference in Hanoi onDecember 14.

Accordingly, the conference is an opportunity to connectentrepreneurs, intellectuals, and experts of Vietnamese living abroadwith Vietnamese agencies and localities. It serves as a forum to attract andleverage the contributions of the diaspora to the country's development,especially in the fields of economy, trade, investment, science and technology,and innovation. Hundreds of OVs from over 20 countries and territories haveregistered to participate, along with more than 20 localities throughout thecountry.

Highlighting the importance of the conference, DeputyMinister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, who is also head of the StateCommittee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, said that throughout history, the communityhas made significant contributions to their home country’s struggle forindependence, current process of national construction and protection, andinternational integration.

The conference will focus on the three main topics of greeninvestment, human resources development, and supply chain development. Theseare the areas and issues that Vietnam is in great need of, emphasised thediplomat.

Currently, there are about 6 million Vietnamese peopleliving in more than 130 countries and territories across the globe.

Hang noted that the number of intellects, scientists,technicians, and high-quality human resources accounts for 10-12% of theVietnamese population abroad, equivalent to about 600,000 people, with over 80%of them living in developed countries.

In the economic field, the OV business community hasparticipated in global production, supply, and distribution chains, particularlyin Europe and the US. They have invested around roughly 1.7 billion USD in morethan 380 projects in 42 out of 63 Vietnamese provinces and cities.

Vietnam is one of the top ten countries in the worldreceiving the largest amount of remittances, which amounted to about 193billion USD between 1993 and 2022.

Hang stated that the Vietnamese Party, State, and Governmenthave many strategies, policies, and specific programmes for mobilising the OVresources. The focus of the work in this affair in 2024 and the following yearsis how to integrate them into life./.