Lam Calls for Diaspora Engagement in Strategic Partnership Era
Ottawa — General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam urged the Vietnamese community in Canada to strengthen national solidarity, preserve cultural values, and contribute to Vietnam's national development while serving as a bridge for closer bilateral relations.
Lam made these remarks during a meeting with Vietnamese Embassy officials, staff, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Canada on the evening of September 25 (local time). The gathering highlighted the evolving dynamics between Hanoi and Ottawa, emphasizing the role of the diaspora in facilitating diplomatic and economic ties.
Speaking at the event, Lam stated that Vietnam and Canada have upgraded their relations to a Strategic Partnership. This significant diplomatic shift comes nearly 10 years after the two nations established a Comprehensive Partnership in November 2017. The upgrade reflects growing political trust and the determination of both sides to make bilateral ties deeper, more substantive, and effective.
Lam noted that the new framework aims to deepen cooperation through trade, investment, economic integration, science and technology, digital transformation, energy, agriculture, and environmental collaboration. These sectors were identified as critical areas for expanding mutual benefits and strengthening the strategic bond between the two nations.
Diaspora Identified as Key Resource for 2045 Goals
The Vietnamese leader identified scientists, experts, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals with international experience as key resources needed for Vietnam to become a developed, high-income country by 2045. Lam stressed that bilateral friendship has been nurtured by people living in both countries, with the Vietnamese community in Canada playing an important bridging role.
He praised the community for its contributions to the host country’s socio-economic life and cultural diversity, as well as efforts to preserve the Vietnamese language and traditions. These contributions were described as vital not only for the diaspora's integration but also for maintaining a strong cultural link back to Vietnam.
Addressing families in Canada, Lam called on them to create opportunities for young people to return to Vietnam to experience the country and strengthen their identity. This appeal underscores the government's focus on reconnecting the younger generation with their heritage while leveraging their global experiences.
Policy Framework for Overseas Vietnamese
Lam cited Resolution No. 23, issued on August 2, which identifies overseas Vietnamese as an inseparable part of the nation and a strategic resource for national strength. This resolution provides the political foundation for current efforts to engage the diaspora more formally in national development.
According to the leader, the Party and State will continue improving policies to attract resources from overseas Vietnamese, particularly intellectuals, experts, entrepreneurs, scientists, and young people. These policy enhancements are designed to facilitate greater participation from the diaspora in Vietnam's economic and social progress, aligning with the broader goals of national reunification and development.