(VOVworld) - More than 600 overseas Vietnamese people from around the world joined a get-together in HCM City on Saturday to celebrate Tet, which is part of the ‘Homeland Spring’ program 2015.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Le Thanh Hai. Tran Ly Nam from Germany said: “The atmosphere is very cozy. I’ve noticed that HCM city has developed significantly and changes have taken place across Vietnam.”

Le Hoang Quan, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee briefed the participants on the city’s major socio-politic, economic and cultural achievements in 2014 and development orientations. Appreciating OVs’ contributions to Vietnam’s development and integration, Quan underscored that they serve as a bridge connecting domestic and international culture, economics and trade.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented certificates of merit to 12 organizations and 24 individuals for their contributions to developing the overseas Vietnamese community. The HCM City People’s Committee also conferred certificates of merit to 1 organization and 5 individuals for their contributions to overseas Vietnamese affairs. Nguyen Huu Le from Australia is among the honorees: “This gathering is very joyful because we can meet our friends and enjoy art performances. I’m happy that the city encourages and honors outstanding overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs and individuals like me.”