(VOVWORLD) - President Nguyen Xuan Phuc beat the drum at an art program in Hanoi on Saturday to kick off the 2023 “Xuan Que Huong” (Homeland Spring), the biggest annual event for overseas Vietnamese (OV) on the occasion of the (Tet) Lunar New Year festival.
 President Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at an art program held as part of the 2023 “Homeland Spring” program, Hanoi, January 14, 2023. (Photo: VNA) |
The art program was jointly held by the State Committee for OV and the Hanoi People’s Committee.
In his remarks, President Phuc affirmed that Vietnamese abroad form an integral part of the nation and an important factor helping to enhance cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and other countries.
He said OVs raised millions of USD in support of the COVID-19 fight as well as victims of natural disasters at home.
OVs play a significant role in Vietnam’s external relations, Mr.Phuc said, highlighting the increasing remittances which make up 7% of Vietnam’s GDP, and contributions by overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to scientific-technological and innovative activities in the homeland.
“Through cultural and religious exchanges, OVs have been contributing to preserving and promoting Vietnam’s image and cultural values abroad,” he said.
President Phuc noted that overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs have helped promote Vietnamese products to the outside world and bring a number of foreign investors and multinational firms to Vietnam.
He called on OVs to join hands in building a powerful and prosperous Vietnam.
More than 3,000 representatives from agencies and localities, and OVs will join the 2023 “Homeland Spring.”