The 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front ignites collective strength for nation building goals

Currently, the Vietnamese community abroad comprises a significant force of entrepreneurs, experts, scientists, and young intellectuals working at leading global corporations, economic centers, technology hubs, universities, and research institutes. If effectively connected and utilized, this will be a crucial resource to help Vietnam quickly access new knowledge, new technologies, and international governance standards.

At the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, I clearly felt the open and receptive spirit along with the increasing attention of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front towards the Vietnamese community abroad. Today, overseas Vietnamese are not only encouraged to look towards their homeland but also to participate more directly and substantively in the country's development process.

In my opinion, the strength of national unity in the new era lies not only in spiritual consensus but also in the ability to connect and synergize the resources of over 100 million Vietnamese in the country and millions abroad into a collective strength for the goal of building a strong and prosperous nation.

In this journey, the Vietnamese community abroad will continue to be the "extended arm" of the homeland, contributing to promoting Vietnam's image to the world and serving as a bridge to bring knowledge, technology, investment, and affection back to the homeland.

Desire for genuine listening and companionship

Vietnamese abroad always hold deep affection for their homeland and wish to contribute more to the country's development. What they expect is not just calls for action but a genuine, open cooperative environment that allows them to participate long-term in the national development process.

First and foremost, overseas Vietnamese hope to be genuinely listened to and accompanied; to be recognized as an important part of the community developing the country. They hope for opportunities to contribute policy suggestions, share international experiences, and accompany specific programs.

Along with this is the expectation for a more transparent, stable, and favorable legal environment. New policies on visa exemptions, e-visas, nationality, or attracting experts are positively evaluated by the community. However, what overseas Vietnamese are most concerned about is consistency in implementation, clear procedures, and convenient access when investing, cooperating, or returning to work in Vietnam.

Particularly, the intellectual and entrepreneurial community abroad wishes to contribute through knowledge, experience, and expertise, not just financial resources. There are currently many Vietnamese experts abroad in fields such as AI, semiconductors, finance, biotechnology, green energy, cultural industries, etc., ready to participate in national programs, innovation projects, or local development strategies if there are suitable and effective connection mechanisms.

Moreover, overseas Vietnamese also hope to be facilitated in preserving and spreading Vietnamese cultural identity to the younger generation born abroad. The strong bond with the homeland is nurtured not only by the economy but also by language, culture, and national identity.

The overseas Vietnamese community appreciates the connection efforts of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in recent times, such as meetings, dialogues, Homeland Spring programs, or inviting overseas Vietnamese to contribute opinions on major national policies. However, in the coming period, it is necessary to form in-depth connection networks by field, region, and target group to ensure deeper and more substantive engagement.

Most importantly, it is about trust and long-term attachment. When they feel respected, listened to, and have real opportunities to contribute to their homeland, the resources of overseas Vietnamese will not only stop at short-term support but will become a sustainable part of the nation's development strength.

Expectations for strong steps forward

With a spirit of innovation and receptiveness, the Vietnam Fatherland Front will continue to play a crucial role in connecting the overseas Vietnamese community with the country, contributing to strengthening the national unity bloc in the new development phase.

From this National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, overseas Vietnamese expect more specific mechanisms to participate more deeply in strategic areas of the country such as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, cultural industries, education, and high-quality human resource development.

Currently, the overseas Vietnamese community includes many successful experts, scientists, and entrepreneurs working at leading global technology and financial centers. If effectively connected, this will be an important resource for Vietnam's development in the new phase.

Along with this is the expectation for a more favorable, transparent, and stable legal environment so that overseas Vietnamese can confidently invest, cooperate, and work long-term in Vietnam. What the community is concerned about is not only policies on visas or nationality but also consistency in the implementation process. When trust is strengthened, the resources of overseas Vietnamese will be more strongly utilized.

Overseas Vietnamese also hope that the Vietnam Fatherland Front and domestic agencies will continue to expand the space for dialogue and policy participation. Today's overseas Vietnamese not only want to contribute financially or through community activities but also wish to share international experiences, management thinking, and a global perspective in the country's development process.

Another important expectation is to build in-depth connection networks between overseas Vietnamese and localities, businesses, universities, and domestic innovation centers. Through associations of overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs and intellectuals, sustainable cooperation ecosystems can be formed, replacing short-term, fragmented connections.

Moreover, the community also hopes for more programs for the younger generation of overseas Vietnamese. This is a dynamic force with international qualifications and global connectivity capabilities. If facilitated to participate in cultural activities, startups, innovation, or academic exchanges with the country, they will become an important bridge for the future.

(*) Dr. Tran Hai Linh is currently a Member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Chairman of the Vietnam-Korea Businessmen and Investment Association (VKBIA), and Founding Chairman of the Vietnam-Korea Experts and Intellectuals Association (VKEIA).