Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the breakthrough development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation clearly states: “Develop and prioritize high-quality human resources and talents to meet the needs of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation,” and to “issue special mechanisms to attract overseas Vietnamese and highly qualified foreigners to work and live in Vietnam.” This creates a basis to attract, prioritize, and retain talent to contribute ideas and participate in national development. In recent times, the city has implemented a variety of activities to connect with the overseas Vietnamese community, using diverse and creative methods to attract investment, utilize intellect, and gather constructive feedback for the city's development.
Representatives of charitable and social organizations receive donations from Mr. Trần Trung Dũng, a Vietnamese American (fourth from the right), on the occasion of Lunar New Year 2025.
Listening to the Overseas Vietnamese Community
Despite having lived in Germany for over 30 years, Mr. Phạm Hồng Phong, Vice President of the Hải Phòng Association in the Federal Republic of Germany, always holds deep affection for his hometown. One issue that concerns him is preserving and passing on the Vietnamese language to future generations. Mr. Phong believes: “To foster connections and interactions between young overseas Vietnamese and domestic youths and students, and to encourage young overseas Vietnamese to become bridges promoting good relations between Vietnam and their host countries, the state should direct agencies and functional units to organize summer camps for the diaspora. The city should also consider organizing a dedicated summer camp for Hải Phòng’s young overseas Vietnamese, given the city's large overseas population. This would help them better understand the city’s real situation, strategies, and development directions, enabling more effective engagement.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyễn Tài Phương, a Vietnamese American, noted that Hải Phòng is not only developing rapidly but also deeply integrating with the world. Therefore, the city should leverage information technology to strengthen interaction with the Hải Phòng diaspora around the world in its strategies to attract investment and talent. He suggests that the city allocate budget and establish a dedicated task force for overseas Vietnamese affairs, regularly update information on the city’s policies and development plans so overseas Vietnamese can stay informed and invest effectively, generating tangible value.
Agreeing with Mr. Phương on the need to diversify communication channels to enhance engagement with overseas Vietnamese, Ms. Trần Thị Mai Thu, a Vietnamese-Australian, hopes authorities can modernize and specify the city's promotional content, meeting the aspirations of young overseas Vietnamese who wish to learn more about cultural, historical, social, and natural aspects of the city.
Additionally, many overseas Vietnamese shared good practices in community-building, developing membership in associations, running activities, teaching Vietnamese, and strengthening connections to foster solidarity and mutual support.
Accompanying the City's Development
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are currently over 50,000 Hải Phòng natives residing in 56 countries and territories. In recent years, these overseas Vietnamese have made significant contributions not only in their host countries but also by investing back in their homeland. Currently, 60 Hải Phòng natives have invested in Vietnam. Within the city, there is one foreign-invested enterprise and 17 businesses registered under overseas Vietnamese ownership. In 2024 alone, remittances to the city reached USD 380 million—and this figure is expected to grow rapidly. This represents a strong resource driving the city’s socio-economic development.
In today’s context, mobilizing resources from overseas Vietnamese to contribute to national development should not only focus on economic capital but also intellectual resources, science and technology, and high-quality human resources. It is estimated that globally, there are around 600,000 overseas Vietnamese with university degrees or higher, including about 3,000 from Hải Phòng. Overseas intellectuals are a critical source of “grey matter,” offering not only specialized knowledge but also new perspectives, professional work styles, and international networks for collaboration, technology transfer, and innovation. This foundation helps strengthen trust and deepen cooperation between Vietnam and international communities, political circles, leaders, and global organizations. Additionally, humanitarian and charitable resources from overseas Vietnamese are also of great importance.
According to Ms. Nguyễn Thị Bích Dung, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW, Directive No. 45-CT/TW, and Conclusion No. 12-KL/TW affirm the consistent policy of the Party and State that the overseas Vietnamese community is an inseparable part and an important resource of the Vietnamese nation. The Department recently organized a conference to connect with overseas Vietnamese, which received wide support from the community. The conference served as a platform to listen to heartfelt ideas and proposals from overseas Vietnamese to improve the city's overseas affairs. These suggestions will be compiled, studied, and submitted to the city for possible recommendations to central ministries and agencies regarding policies that directly affect the overseas community. Going forward, the city hopes that overseas Vietnamese will continue to stay connected with their homeland and make practical contributions in terms of finance, intellect, and experience to support the city’s ongoing development.