Canberra (VNA) – Prime Minister PhamMinh Chinh urged the overseas Vietnamese (OV) community in Australia to always upholdthe honour of and take pride in being Vietnamese during a meeting in Canberra,Australia on March 7 (local time).
He thanked the Vietnamese communities abroad,including those in Australia, for their noteworthy and positive contributions tothe homeland.
The Government leader informed them about the recentupgrade of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic ties to the highest level -Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his visit, adding that the move willcontribute to improving material and spiritual lives of the Vietnamese peopleliving here.
He revealed that during meetings withAustralian leaders, he had proposed Australia consider and recognise the Vietnamesecommunity as an ethnic minority of Australia.
About issues of concern raised by the OVs, he assured them thatthe relevant ministries and agencies back home are actively working on solutions.
With a desire to build creative overseas Vietnamese communities, he disclosed that the Ministryof Science and Technology has been tasked with planning a sci-tech award forOVs and submitting it to the competent authorities. He also mentioned the possibility of opening moretrade representative offices or increasing the number of staff of existing offices to further strengthen tradecooperation between Vietnam and Australia.
In conclusion, he wished that theOVs would continue to join hands to build a united, developed and strongcommunity, uphold national pride, obey the law and contribute to thedevelopment of the host country while continuing to be an increasingly solid bridgein the bilateral relationship through practical activities toward the homeland.
According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam, the Vietnamese community in Australiacurrently comprises over 350,000people, with a network of entrepreneurs,intellectuals, experts and students who have made significant contributions to thelocal community in the political,economic, and cultural spheres, while also nurturing the relationship between Vietnam and Australia./.

