Tokyo (VNA) – The establishment of forums, information channels and mechanisms enabling overseas Vietnamese to contribute opinions on major national issues has ensured that their voices are heard widely, formally and systematically, thereby strengthening great national unity and supporting national development, according to Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Luan, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Toyama, Japan.
Speaking to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Japan, Luan highly valued the consistent efforts of the Party and State in creating platforms for the Vietnamese community abroad to offer feedback on key national matters, including draft resolutions, Party Congress documents and major policies.
Through a wide range of channels, such as seminars, thematic conferences, consultations via Vietnamese representative offices abroad, mass organisations and online feedback systems, the Party and State have ensured that the views of overseas Vietnamese (OVs) are received in an open, official and structured manner. This proactive engagement with more than six million Vietnamese living abroad reflects an open-minded, constructive and long-term approach to strengthening national solidarity and meeting the country’s development needs in the new period, he said.
Drawing on the experience of the Vietnamese Association in Toyama, Luan noted that expatriates pay close attention to, and actively support, the Party and State’s policies, particularly those relating directly to their legitimate rights and interests, citizen protection and long-term national development. Since its establishment, with support from the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, the association has clearly defined its role as a bridge between the community and State representative agencies.
Through cultural, sporting, community and charitable activities, it not only helps preserve national identity but also serves as a channel for disseminating information and gathering the opinions and aspirations of OVs.
From these activities, the association has recorded a strong desire among the Vietnamese community in Toyama to contribute to national development in practical ways. These include commenting on policies relating to OVs, sharing knowledge and expertise gained in Japan, and fostering cultural, educational and cooperative exchanges between Toyama and localities in Vietnam.
Luan said the association will continue to fulfil its role of representing and connecting the community, thereby conveying their views promptly, accurately and responsibly to relevant authorities at home. For contributions from OVs to be constructive, practical and effective, he stressed the need for joint efforts from both the State and the Vietnamese community abroad.
On the State side, maintaining and expanding transparent, convenient and official dialogue channels is crucial. When opinions are clearly heard, acknowledged and responded to, OVs will be more confident and proactive in contributing, thereby improving both the quality and practicality of feedback.
For the Vietnamese community abroad, contributions should be made in a spirit of responsibility, realism and constructiveness, drawing on each individual’s professional expertise and experience, he said. Insights based on real-life experience overseas, particularly in science and technology, education, governance, labour and social integration, are of great reference value for domestic policymaking. Every Vietnamese abroad, he added, should also serve as a “people’s ambassador” in promoting culture and strengthening links between Vietnam and their host country.
As Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Toyama, Luan expressed his hope that the association will remain a trusted bridge between the community and Vietnamese representative agencies in Japan. He encouraged Vietnamese in Toyama to maintain solidarity, comply with local laws, join community activities and make concrete, long-term contributions to the homeland./.
