The HCM City Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs has efficiently publicised the contributions of overseas Vietnamese to the country’s development, Nguyễn Thành Tài, deputy chairman of the city People’s Committee, has said.— Photo alov-hcmc.org.vn

HCM CITY — The HCM City Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs has efficiently publicised the contributions of overseas Vietnamese to the country’s development, Nguyễn Thành Tài, deputy chairman of the city People’s Committee, has said.

Speaking at a meeting to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the committee’s establishment on Wednesday, he said the city has benefited greatly from the contributions of overseas Vietnamese.

It now has more than 2,500 businesses with a combined investment of nearly VNĐ37 trillion (US$1.7 billion) and 117 projects worth $275 million set up by them.

The city’s banks have received more than $20 billion in remittances from overseas Vietnamese over the past 30 years, accounting for more than 60 per cent of the country’s total.

Overseas Vietnamese have also donated more than VNĐ60 billion ($2.7 million) to charity.

Every year more than 500,000 ethnic Vietnamese come to the country to visit family, explore investment opportunities and take part in other activities, with more than 80 per cent staying at least for a while in the city.

The committee has contacted more than 800 overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals and set up a database. Of them, 138 work in the city.  

The committee in co-operation with official agencies has held workshops for overseas Vietnamese to understand about the country’s policies and laws and remove obstacles.

The city is the country’s only place with an Overseas Vietnamese Club for Science and Technology. The club now has more than 130 members. — VNS