A conference took place in Hanoi on November 19 to discuss ways to promote overseas Vietnamese women’s roles and potential in developing their communities abroad and their home country.

The event, the first of its kind, drew the participation of more than 200 Vietnamese women living in 28 countries. It was organised by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Foreign Ministry and the Vietnam Women’s Union.

Addressing the function, Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan said Vietnamese people living abroad form an integral part of the Vietnamese people.

The Party, State and people at home have paid due attention to overseas Vietnamese communities and related affairs, she affirmed.

The Vice President described overseas Vietnamese affairs as an import task in order to bring into full play the great national unity for national construction and protection.

Highlighting the significance of connecting women at home and abroad in upholding the traditional culture, the leader pointed to challenges faced by Vietnam during the path of international integration.

She said cultural integration requires women to ceaselessly improve their knowledge while upholding the good traditional virtues of Vietnamese women.

According to Head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs Nguyen Thanh Son, the conference is a forum for women to exchange experiences, thus tightening the linkage between women at home and abroad.

The conference also helps to improve the operation of women’s associations abroad, encouraging them to contribute to the process of international integration and upholding the traditional culture, he said.

Women make up 30 - 35 percent of 4.5 million Vietnamese people living and working in 103 countries and territories across the world.

They have contributed to enhancing the relationship and cooperation between Vietnam and countries worldwide.

Source: VNA