At the conference (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Cuong, who is also head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, said there are about 4.5 million Vietnamese living abroad and 500 Vietnamese associations worldwide.

These associations have markedly contributed to connecting OVs, preserving traditions and promoting culture and developing the friendship between Vietnam and other countries, he said.

Cuong pointed out difficulties and challenges facing Vietnamese expats such as unstable legal status and increasing crimes among OVs.

Truong Thi Mai, head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation, suggested ministries and agencies seek specific measures to strengthen the great national unity bloc and promote the role of Vietnamese expats who are an integral part of the nation and significant resources for national socio-economic development.

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh urged ministries and agencies to address issues of concern of OVs, while perfecting mechanisms, policies and laws to create a legal corridor for them to run business at home.

He emphasised the need to handle bottlenecks regarding expats’ desire to get and regain Vietnamese nationality.

VNF ( VNA )