Overview of the meeting between the expatriate delegation and Phu Tho province leaders. (Photo: Thanh Long)

During the meeting with Phu Tho province, Nguyen Dac Thuy, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, stated that the locality is honored to welcome a distinguished delegation of expatriates from various countries and territories attending the Hung Kings' Commemoration and offering incense at Hung Temple in 2026. The provincial representative also provided an overview of the socio-economic development in recent times, especially after the administrative unit reorganization.

Phu Tho expressed hope that the visit would open up new, practical, and effective cooperation opportunities with international partners through the expatriate bridge. Delegates discussed potential cooperation in areas such as trade, industry, attracting foreign investment, and expatriates in sectors like processing-manufacturing, building materials, supporting industries, agricultural products-food, and logistics.

Nguyen Dac Thuy, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Phu Tho province, speaking at the meeting. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Additionally, the province wishes for the overseas Vietnamese community to participate in investing and developing unique tourism products, connecting destinations between Vietnam and other countries and territories. They also aim to enhance tourism promotion, share experiences in developing eco-tourism, community tourism linked with cultural preservation, and sustainable development. Cultural, artistic, sports exchanges, and cooperation with overseas Vietnamese associations are also being prioritized.

During the meeting with the delegation in Lang Son, Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Doan Thanh Son emphasized that the locality is rich in historical and cultural traditions, with a diversity of ethnic groups such as Tay, Nung, Kinh, Dao, Hoa, and San Chay. Notably, in April 2025, Lang Son Geopark was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Deputy Chairman affirmed that the Party and State always regard the overseas Vietnamese community as an inseparable part of the nation. Expatriates not only preserve cultural identity and the Vietnamese language but also serve as a bridge to promote cooperation between Vietnam and other countries.

Deputy Chairman of Lang Son Provincial People's Committee Doan Thanh Son poses with the expatriate delegation. (Photo: Thanh Long)

In recent times, many mechanisms and policies have been issued to facilitate expatriates in stabilizing their lives and integrating into the host country while contributing to their homeland. The overseas Vietnamese community increasingly plays a role in contributing resources, knowledge, experience, and promoting Vietnam's image globally.

Lang Son province leaders expressed their desire to continue receiving support from expatriates, especially intellectuals and entrepreneurs, in sharing experiences and connecting international partners in areas such as trade, tourism, education, logistics, science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Deputy Chairman Doan Thanh Son believes this activity will strengthen the bond between Lang Son and the overseas Vietnamese community, thereby awakening the spirit of returning to one's roots and joining hands to build the homeland and the country.

Deputy Chairman Doan Thanh Son speaking at the meeting. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Expatriates connect with roots, spread national "soft power"

Speaking at the meeting, Nguyen Trung Kien, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, stated that organizing the expatriate delegation to attend the Hung Kings' Commemoration is an annual activity of profound significance, reflecting the Party and State's attention to the overseas Vietnamese community.

According to Nguyen Trung Kien, within the program's framework, expatriate delegates directly participated in and experienced the solemn, dignified, and sacred ceremonies at Hung Temple. Through this, they felt a deeper connection between Vietnamese people at home and abroad with their national roots and recognized the responsibility to preserve and promote the heritage values and precious traditions of their ancestors in the cause of nation-building and defense.

Nguyen Trung Kien, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, speaking at the meeting. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Nguyen Trung Kien emphasized that the trip is an opportunity for expatriates to witness firsthand the rapid and comprehensive changes in the country in general and in the localities the delegation visited in recent times. These achievements not only reflect Vietnam's strong development but also serve as a common pride for every Vietnamese, whether living at home or abroad.

Moreover, the expatriate delegation had the chance to enjoy and explore the nation's unique cultural heritage values – an invaluable "soft power" contributing to Vietnam's identity. These values have been and continue to connect the Vietnamese community worldwide; even far from the homeland, they always preserve the nation's essence, character, and identity.

Nguyen Trung Kien, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, answering media questions. (Photo: Thanh Long)

After concluding the program at the Hung Kings' Commemoration, the expatriate delegation will continue their journey to visit the northern land border area of the country. This is an opportunity for delegates to directly witness the development of border localities and efforts in territorial sovereignty protection and socio-economic development in this area. This is also a new feature in the delegation's program this year.

Addressing the overseas Vietnamese community, Nguyen Trung Kien noted that currently, over 6.5 million Vietnamese people living in more than 130 countries and territories have experienced positive changes in their position, mindset, and national pride. In this context, the work concerning overseas Vietnamese not only focuses on mobilizing resources for national development but also aims to support expatriates in enhancing their status in the host country, developing strongly, thereby becoming a source of the nation's "soft power".

The expatriate delegation offering incense at the Lac Long Quan Temple. (Photo: Thanh Long)