On the evening of January 10, 2020, the Embassy of Vietnam gathered over 200 Vietnamese from Riyadh and adjacent areas, and a number of local guests inside the embassy compound to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
In his remarks, Ambassador Vu Viet Dung recounted Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements in 2019: GDP growth rate reached 7.02%, the highest in the region and the world in two consecutive years; total import-export turnover reached record USD 516.96 billion, with a surplus of USD 9.9 billion – highest in 4 consecutive years; a record 18 million foreign tourist arrivals in Vietnam, an increase of 16% compared to 2018. He also affirmed that these positive achievements is attributable to tireless contribution of the entire 95.5 million people including those living overseas, under the leadership of the Government of Vietnam, laying firm ground for strong hope that Vietnam will gain further achievements in 2020.
The Ambassador expressed his desire to see the Vietnamese community always work hard, called on them to help one another and strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the host country, affirming the Embassy will always be a source for assistance and true home for them. At the end, he wished the overseas Vietnamese community and their families a healthy, happy and successful new year of 2020.
The crowd was jubilant to see a video clip about Vietnam sports achievements in 2019, including winning both men’s and women’s soccer trophies at the SEA games. Colorful traditional musical performances, including a unicorn dance, created a happy and warm atmosphere. Traditional food was served.
There are up to 12,000 Vietnamese living and working in the Kingdom as mechanics, welders and domestic workers, scattered mostly in Riyadh, Qassim, Dammam, Al Batin, Ha’il and Jeddah.
