Local mass organisations should work closely with each other and advise the Government on policies to ensure the rights of Overseas Vietnamese and encourage them to contribute more to Việt Nam’s development. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Dân

HÀ NỘI — Local mass organisations should work closely with each other and advise the Government on policies to ensure the rights of Overseas Vietnamese and encourage them to contribute more to Việt Nam’s development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh said yesterday.

Minh was speaking at a conference held in Hà Nội to review co-operation between the Việt Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee and the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs from 2010 to 2016 and to identify measures to foster ties over the next five years.

The Deputy PM noted that the majority of Vietnamese people abroad were highly qualified and successful in their careers, forming a great source of brainpower for the home country. 

He said that the Vietnamese diaspora, especially younger generations, should be encouraged to return and serve the development process in their homeland. Effective communication and stronger co-operation between the VFF and the State Committee for OV Affairs had an important role in this regard, he added. 

Minh also pointed out some shortcomings in co-operation between the two agencies, including limitations in popularising the policies of the Party and State, information exchange and dissemination of information about guidelines relating to Overseas Vietnamese affairs. 

He said that in the coming five years, the two agencies should continue implementing agreements reached on co-ordination, work together on revising legal documents and policies related to Overseas Vietnamese so as to propose timely amendments and supplements. 

VFF Central Committee President Nguyễn Thiện Nhân suggested that a meeting with the Overseas Vietnamese community be organised during the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival to collect their feedback on all relevant issues. 

He also affirmed that from 2017 onwards, the VFF will organise regular meetings with OV experts, scientists, scholars and intellectuals to get their advice and opinions. 

He echoed the Deputy PM’s call to encourage members of the OV community to return to the homeland to establish startups.

Nhân also called for the organisation of more art performances and contests to boost the preservation and promotion of Vietnamese culture among OV communities. 

He affirmed that the 4.5 million OV are an inseparable part of the nation and authorities must adopt measures to help them lead better lives and encourage them to return to the homeland. — VNS