Scene at the event (Photo: VNA) Phnom Penh (VNA) – Vietnamese expatriates in Cambodia gathered to celebrate the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) at a ceremony at the Vietnam Embassy on January 25.
In his speech delivered at the event, Ambassador Vu Quang Minh reviewed the past year. He said 2018 witnessed the host nation making important socio-economic achievements and celebrating the 40th anniversary of the victory over the Pol Pot genocidal regime.
The year also marked records made in the development of Vietnam-Cambodia comprehensive cooperation, Minh stressed, noting that bilateral trade hit some 4.5 billion USD, up 18 percent annually.
The Vietnamese community in Cambodia has made significant efforts to overcome difficulties, improve their living standards and legal status, and contribute to socio-economic growth in their second home country, the diplomat noted.
According to him, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior approved the Cambodian Vietnamese Association’s registration following the country’s new law on socio-political organisations. The association has been renamed the Khmer-Vietnam Association and has come out with a new set of principles and logo. Meanwhile, a club for Vietnamese entrepreneurs was launched for the first time in Cambodia.
He said the Vietnamese embassy and general consulates have worked closely with the Khmer-Vietnam Association and Vietnamese investors in Cambodia to conduct several measures to support the expatriate community, particularly in boosting their legal status.
On the occasion, the embassy presented Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh’s decision on awarding expat individuals and groups in recognition of their significant contributions to developing the community. Minh also handed over certificates of merit to outstanding Vietnamese students at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. –VNA
VNA
