HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc hosted a reception for a delegation of nearly 100 overseas Vietnamese returning home for the Lunar New Year (Tết) festival as part of the ‘Homeland Spring 2018’ programme. 

The expats showed delight at the country’s achievements in 2017 and the PM and Cabinet’s great efforts to drive national development. 
They expressed their hope to connect with young intellectuals at home for co-operation in producing high value products, while asking for the Government’s support in investing in start-ups in Việt Nam and strengthening links with domestic firms. 
Võ Quang Huệ, a Vietnamese in Germany who works for Vingroup’s automobile-making project Vinfast, said he hopes to contribute more to the country by working with Vinfast to introduce products in September 2018 and call other Vietnamese intellectuals abroad to join hands in building the homeland. 
Extending Tết wishes to the expats, PM Phúc briefed them on the socio-economic, defence, security and cultural achievements of the country in 2017 and the contributions of the Vietnamese community abroad. 
The Government leader also lauded the community’s efforts in investing in domestic projects and sharing experience and knowledge in various fields. 
He underlined that the country needs the expats’ experience in developing start-ups, knowledge in science, technology and resources for national development. 
The PM pledged that the Government will continue completing institutions, the legal system and policies to create favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese to invest in the country. 
He affirmed that realising the country’s target of becoming a “new tiger in economy”, it is necessary to strengthen the determination of the whole country to promote national strengths and the solidarity of the Vietnamese community both at home and abroad. 
‘Homeland Spring’ is an annual event held by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs. This year, thousands of overseas Vietnamese have registered to participate in the programme which includes various traditional Tết practices. 
An art performance is also scheduled to be held as part of the programme on Wednesday with the attendance of President Trần Đại Quang. 
There are approximately 4.5 million Vietnamese living and working in 103 countries and territories worldwide. — VNS