According to Nguyen Hong Son, president of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan, the 14th Party Congress, scheduled for January 2026, is widely viewed by overseas Vietnamese as a critical political milestone. Beyond reviewing the implementation of policies adopted at the 13th Congress, the upcoming meeting is expected to define Vietnam’s strategic direction through 2030, with a long-term vision to 2045.

Against a backdrop of accelerating global change, intensifying geopolitical competition and deeper international integration, overseas Vietnamese see the congress as an opportunity for Vietnam to consolidate internal strengths, modernise its development model and enhance its international standing, Son said.

In recent months, Vietnamese professionals, intellectuals and entrepreneurs in Japan have actively studied and contributed feedback to draft documents prepared for the congress. Their proposals focus on issues such as economic restructuring, human capital development, institutional reform and international integration, drawing on practical experience gained in Japan’s advanced education system and highly disciplined professional environment.

With more than 600,000 Vietnamese nationals living, studying and working in Japan, the community is increasingly recognised as a valuable resource for Vietnam’s development ambitions. Community organisations have stepped up cultural exchanges, showcasing Vietnamese traditions, arts and cuisine, while strengthening people-to-people ties between Vietnam and Japan.

At the same time, Vietnamese scholars and experts in Japan have expanded initiatives aimed at knowledge transfer, academic cooperation and technology partnerships. Professional networks and forums have been established to connect Japanese institutions and businesses with counterparts in Vietnam, supporting collaboration in high-tech industries, education and sustainable development.

According to Son, Vietnamese people in Japan hope the 14th Party Congress will further institutionalise policies that enable greater participation by the diaspora in national development, particularly by creating clearer mechanisms for contributing expertise, investment and innovation. Many also expect stronger legal, educational and cultural support frameworks to help overseas Vietnamese maintain ties with their homeland while integrating into their host societies.

Beyond policy engagement, the Vietnamese community in Japan has remained actively involved in humanitarian and social support efforts, including fundraising and assistance for disaster-hit areas in Vietnam. These activities, the community leader said, reflect a deep sense of solidarity and a continued commitment to national development despite geographical distance.

Overseas Vietnamese expertise tapped for national development

Overseas Vietnamese intellectuals in Thailand have stated that the Party’s and State’s increasing support for their participation in policy-making is a key move to tap the expertise of the Vietnamese community abroad as the country enters a new development phase.