Overseas remittances sent to Ho Chi Minh City in 2013 hit 4.8 billion USD, accounting for nearly half of the sum channeling to the country.

Between 50-60 percent of the 1.2 million overseas Vietnamese (OVs) visiting the homeland in the year stayed in the City, which is dubbed the country’s economic and business hub.

These figures were reported to more than 700 OVs from 30 countries and territories worldwide to the January 21 get-together with HCM City authorities to herald the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan spoke of the significant contributions made by OVs and their relatives across the world to the development and integration of the country and the City.

The official also commented on the fact that more expatriate scientists and experts have returned to invest, research and lecture in the country.

He pledged that the OVs will be proactively provided with information about the country and the city in particular as well as help to live and run business at home with their legitimate rights ensured.

He took the occasion to call on OVs to join hands in spurring the city’s overall growth.

At the meeting, individuals, collectives and businesses in the city with outstanding contributions to OV affairs in 2013 were honoured.-VNA