CELEBRATION OF VIETNAMESE TET IN THE PHILIPPINES

The event, held in the Embassy, attended by more than 400 Vietnamese of various sectors and foreign friends.

Ambassador Vu Xuan Truong, in his opening remarks, conveyed the best wishes by President Nguyen Minh Triet and other Vietnam Leaders to the whole Vietnamese Community and their families here in the Philippines. The Ambassador also updated them with major socio-economic achievements in 2008. He also holds the firm belief that with the tremendous efforts and contributions of Vietnamese in the country and abroad, Vietnam will overcome the present and incoming challenges, stabilizing the macro economy, maintaining and consolidating socio-economic development.

Bilateral relationship between Vietnam and the Philippines is increasingly strengthened. Two-way trade amounted to USD 2.3 billion in 2008, exceeding the target USD 2 billion by 2010 set out in the Joint Plan of Action.  Relations in other areas such as political, investment, culture, education… are also strengthened.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Overseas Vietnamese as an integral part of the nation. Accordingly, policies have been worked out to encourage the Overseas Vietnamese to do business, to help their relatives, home-towns, to make contributions to socio-economic development in the country. Their active contributions to the multi-faceted relations between the two countries are also recognized.

The Ambassador also highly appreciated the establishment of the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Calabarzon area, together with the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Manila, facilitating mutual help, assistances in their daily life and work, contributing to socio-economic development in the country.  

On this occasion, the Ambassador presented Certificates of Merit by Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Manila and Mr. Le Van Phap for their significant contributions to community activities and other activities relating to the country.

The Get-Together was in the atmosphere of friendly, brotherhood added with Vietnamese traditional dishes.