The overseas Vietnamese constitute an indispensable part and a decisive factor that helps promote the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries, Directive 19/2008/CT-TTg stresses.

It says that during the implementation of OV-related works, importance should be placed on protecting the legitimate interests of overseas Vietnamese in accordance with the law and international conventions.

Favourable conditions should be created for them to make contributions to national development, stabilise their lives in foreign countries and satisfy their demand for information, Vietnamese language teaching and learning and religious practice, according to the directive.

Ministries, agencies and localities are required to map out plans to carry out the Government’s action programme and report them to the Government before September 30.