With more than six million Vietnamese living in over 130 countries and territories, the global Vietnamese community represents a significant source of knowledge, capital, technology and international networks. Among them, an estimated 2.8 million people maintain direct or indirect ties with Ho Chi Minh City, forming a vital bridge between the city and the world.

From sentiment to strategy

Each Lunar New Year, Vietnamese nationals across continents turn their hearts toward the homeland. But alongside reunion and remembrance, many overseas Vietnamese are also expressing confidence in the country’s transformation and readiness to take part in shaping its future.

Business leaders and professionals returning from North America, Europe and Asia have highlighted the city’s growing strengths in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Ho Chi Minh City’s expanding IT and AI workforce, improving infrastructure and dynamic private sector are increasingly seen as foundations for deeper collaboration.

For Chung Vinh, president of the Vietnamese Business Association in Canada, Tet is a time not only for reunion but reflection on Vietnam’s long-term growth.

“As overseas Vietnamese, more than anyone, we hope to see our country grow stronger every day,” he says. “Strength must come from economic development, production and labour productivity. With the determination I see today, I believe Vietnam can achieve its development goals in the coming years.”

In his opinion, the Vietnamese business community in Canada has been supporting domestic enterprises in promoting products abroad while introducing advanced governance models and technology back to Vietnam. During a recent visit to the Quang Trung Software Park, he says he was impressed by the city’s technology ecosystem and hopes more overseas Vietnamese would return to establish businesses and create jobs.

Investment and innovation

For many diaspora entrepreneurs, the city is no longer simply a place of origin, it is becoming a destination for investment, start-up ventures and technology transfer. Monthly export shipments, innovation initiatives and financial partnerships illustrate a shift from symbolic attachment to tangible engagement.

Tjay Phu Nguyen, a US-based entrepreneur originally from the city, decided to return and establish his business locally. He observes improvements in the business environment and export procedures have created favourable conditions for growth. His company now ships multiple containers of goods to international markets each month.

“Young Vietnamese today are dynamic and quick to adapt to technology,” he notes. “Ho Chi Minh City has the potential to become a regional financial and innovation hub, a place where overseas Vietnamese can return to invest and grow alongside the country.”

From an investment perspective, Bui Quang Duy, representing a Switzerland-based investment fund, observes that the gap between Ho Chi Minh City and more developed Asian markets is narrowing.

“The changes in infrastructure and development orientation are very clear,” he says. “That builds confidence for international investors, including those of Vietnamese origin.”

A long-term strategic partnership

In 2025, remittances to Ho Chi Minh City exceeded US$10.34 billion, reflecting not only financial capacity but sustained trust in the city’s prospects.

Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, affirms that overseas Vietnamese are not merely a resource but long-term strategic partners in development.

“They contribute through investment, technology transfer, policy consultation and expertise in key sectors such as urban planning, healthcare, green transition and digital transformation,” he remarks. “Each idea, initiative and project from overseas Vietnamese today is a building block for a more dynamic and sustainable city tomorrow.”

The city is implementing measures to mobilise remittance resources more effectively toward 2030, while continuing administrative reform and ensuring a transparent and stable investment environment.

Ho Chi Minh City is implementing measures to mobilise remittance resources more effectively toward 2030, streamline administrative procedures, and ensure a transparent and stable investment environment that protects legitimate rights and interests.

Authorities have also identified three priority areas for cooperation: policy consultation and advisory engagement; investment and technology transfer in key sectors; and expansion of connections with global financial and innovation hubs.

Strengthening the bond for sustainable growth

As Vietnam advances toward its development goals, Ho Chi Minh City positions itself as a financial and innovation centre of Southeast Asia - a role that increasingly relies on global Vietnamese expertise.

The spirit of Tet reunion thus extends beyond sentiment. It becomes a catalyst for renewed trust, shared responsibility and collaborative action. Each idea, investment and initiative from overseas Vietnamese contributes to building a city that is more dynamic, sustainable and globally connected.

In this season of reunion, the bond between Ho Chi Minh City and its global community is being reaffirmed - not only through remembrance, but through partnership in shaping the future.

President urges Overseas Vietnamese to unite for national development

VOV.VN - State President Luong Cuong on February 8 called on overseas Vietnamese communities worldwide to unite their intellect, resources and commitment in contributing to national development, as Vietnam enters a new development phase.