Vietnam intensifies push to tap diaspora expertise for development

Policymakers in Vietnam are focusing on bridging the gap between the skills and expertise held by overseas Vietnamese communities and the practical needs of domestic sectors, recognizing the diaspora as a valuable resource for national development.

The challenge lies in creating effective mechanisms to match overseas Vietnamese specialists—particularly intellectuals and innovators—with local institutions and projects that require their knowledge. Officials are working to develop platforms and programmes that can facilitate meaningful collaboration between diaspora professionals and Vietnamese organizations across various fields.

A significant step in this direction is the upcoming 5th World Conference of Overseas Vietnamese, scheduled for December. The gathering is expected to serve as a forum for overseas Vietnamese to engage with national development priorities and explore concrete ways to contribute to Vietnam's progress.

Expanding lifelong learning programmes tailored for overseas Vietnamese is among the strategies being pursued to strengthen ties and foster continued professional development within diaspora communities. These initiatives aim to keep overseas Vietnamese connected to Vietnam while positioning them as active participants in the nation's advancement.

Experts and officials have highlighted that successfully mobilizing overseas Vietnamese expertise requires coordinated efforts across government, educational institutions, and private sector organizations to create sustainable partnerships and identify high-impact opportunities for collaboration.