The export processing and industrial zones (EPIZ) management board and the Committee on Overseas Vietnamese signed a co-operation agreement in HCM City on April 5. The agreement aims to seek access to the overseas Vietnamese community's scientific-technological achievements and cooperation in human resource development.

The two sides also plan to jointly study recommendations on preferential policies towards overseas Vietnamese investors, said Dr. Nguyen Chon Trung, Head of the municipal Committee on Overseas Vietnamese.

To this end, the two agencies will regularly hold trade promotion campaigns, scientific and technological workshops, and training courses in association with the Scientific and Technological Club of Overseas Vietnamese to meet requirements from EPIZ enterprises.

Club chief Dr. Tran Ha Anh and President of the municipal Association of Overseas Vietnamese Enterprises Phan Thanh described the deal as a major step in support of overseas Vietnamese operations in the native country.

With a population of around 3 million, the Vietnamese community abroad holds great potential for development assistance to their homeland.