Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen XuanPhuc hosted a reception for a delegation of nearly 100 Overseas Vietnamese returninghome for the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival as part of the “HomelandSpring 2018” programme.

The expats showed their delight at the achievements ofthe country in 2017 as well as their impression of the PM and Cabinet’s great effortsand determination for national development.

They expressed their hope to connect with youngintellectuals at home for cooperation in producing high value products, whileasking for the Government’s support in investing in startups of Vietnam andstrengthen links with domestic firms.

Vo Quang Hue, a Vietnamese in Germany who is workingfor Vingroup’s automobile-making project called Vinfast, said that he hopes tomake more contributions to the country by working with Vinfast team to introducefirst products in September 2018 and calling for other Vietnamese intellectualsabroad to join hands in building the homeland wealthily.

Extending New Year wishes to the expats, PM Phuc briefedthem on the socio-economic, defence, security and cultural achievements of the countryin 2017 as well as contributions of the Vietnamese community abroad.

The Government leader also lauded efforts of thecommunity in investing in domestic projects and sharing experience andknowledge in various fields.

He underlined that the country needs the expats’experience in developing startups, knowledge in science, technology as well asresources for the national development.

The PM pledged that the Government will continuecompleting institutions, the legal system and policies to create morefavourable conditions for Overseas Vietnamese abroad to invest in the countryand develop their businesses.

He affirmed that realizing the country’s target ofbecoming a “new tiger in economy,” it is necessary to strengthen the determinationof the whole country to promote national potential and strengths as well as thesolidarity of the Vietnamese community both at home and abroad.

Homeland Spring is an annual event held by the StateCommittee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs. This year, thousands of overseasVietnamese have registered to participate in the programme which includesvarious traditional Tet practices.

A special art performance is also scheduled to be heldas part of the programme on February 7 with the attendance of President TranDai Quang.

There are approximately 4.5 million Vietnamese livingand working in 103 countries and territories worldwide. They form anindispensable part of the nation and play an important role in intensifyingfriendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the rest of the world. -VNA