Overseas Vietnamese Communities – A Strategic Resource for National Development
In response to requests for input on the draft documents of the 14th National Congress, many overseas experts and entrepreneurs shared their perspectives. Dr. Trần Hải Linh, Member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and President of the Vietnam – Korea Business & Investment Association (VKBIA), highlighted the role of overseas Vietnamese in private sector development, people-to-people diplomacy, and enhancing high-quality human resources.
Overseas Entrepreneurs and Private Sector Development
The Party and State have identified the private economy as a key driver of national growth, a principle reflected in the draft Congress documents. With over 6 million Vietnamese living abroad, including numerous experienced entrepreneurs, professionals, and intellectuals, the overseas community represents a strategic resource directly contributing to the domestic private sector’s rapid development.
Dr. Trần Hải Linh noted several key areas where overseas entrepreneurs can have an impact:
Enhancing competitiveness: Connecting markets, standardizing corporate governance to global standards, leveraging knowledge of Vietnam’s strengths and international trends.
Promoting technology transfer, digital transformation, and green development: Overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs in AI, semiconductors, automation, and new energy can help narrow the technology gap and integrate more deeply into global supply chains.
Supporting innovative startups: Bringing capital, management expertise, new growth models, and international networks to help Vietnamese startups expand globally and create competitive “Make in Vietnam” businesses.
Participating in domestic value chains: Linking regions and industries, especially in sectors where Vietnam has advantages, such as manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, high-tech agriculture, and high-quality tourism services.
With supportive policies, a favorable environment, and protection mechanisms for private investors, overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs can serve as a strategic bridge, helping Vietnam achieve its 2045 goal of becoming a developed country with globally competitive private enterprises and a dynamic private economy.
Role in Diplomacy and International Integration
The draft documents of the 14th Congress emphasize that diplomacy and international integration are critical tasks, on par with national defense and security. With over 6 million Vietnamese living in more than 130 countries, the overseas community is a strategic resource for people-to-people diplomacy, connecting Vietnam with the world through trust, culture, and knowledge.
Dr. Trần Hải Linh identified three main roles for overseas Vietnamese diplomacy:
Promoting the national image: Each overseas Vietnamese acts as a cultural ambassador, spreading Vietnam’s identity and development story globally.
Building Vietnam’s soft power: Connecting experts, intellectuals, enterprises, and international institutions, enhancing national prestige, and participating in shaping global rules.
Safeguarding national interests: Serving as a reliable bridge to expand markets, promote investment and trade, transfer technology, and contribute directly to national growth.
People-to-people diplomacy by overseas Vietnamese not only serves national interests but also reflects national pride, gratitude to the homeland, and responsibility for Vietnam’s future.
Connecting Education and Training with Overseas Talent
Resolution 71-NQ/TW (22/8/2025) sets a breakthrough goal in education: building a modern, internationally integrated national education system. Dr. Trần Hải Linh proposed strategies to connect domestic schools, institutes, and businesses with overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and students:
Establish long-term strategic cooperation mechanisms between universities, research institutes, enterprises, and the diaspora.
Expand the global Vietnamese talent network, allowing experts and intellectuals to teach, transfer technology, and advise startups in Vietnam.
Implement international student and internship exchange programs, promoting school–institute–enterprise collaboration.
Develop international-standard research and innovation centers in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, linked with countries with advanced scientific development.
Foster an open, transparent academic environment that encourages creativity and autonomy, measuring success by quality and practical outcomes.
By effectively leveraging global Vietnamese intellect, Vietnam can transition from “latecomer, fast learner” to “creator of new knowledge and technology”, laying the foundation to achieve the 2045 goal of a developed, high-income country with competitive strength derived from Vietnamese human capital, Dr. Trần Hải Linh affirmed.
Source: Committee for Overseas Vietnamese
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