More than 700 Vietnamese born overseas in 21 countries and territories, who returned to live and working in HCM City, gathered to celebrate the lunar New Year of Tiger on February 4.

HCM City authorities presented certificates of merit to ten people who have greatly contributed to the city last year.

Duong Nguyen Vu, a Vietnamese French, said that he would have to leave Saigon in the next few days to do business in France. He regretted to leave as Tet is coming. Vu said he would bring Vietnamese fruit and jams to France.

Others said that it is wonderful to enjoy Tet in Vietnam. Many said that they planned to implement new projects in seacooking processing, education, information technology and real estate in HCM City this year. They said based on its powerful growth, HCM City would quickly overcome the post-recession period.

On this occasion, HCM City authorities presented certificates of merit to ten people who have greatly contributed to the city last year, named Tran Dinh Khuong (Canada), Nguyen Thi My Linh (Vietnam), Nguyen Van Ba (Japan), Phan Thi Sach (USA), Nguyen Dac Chi, Tran Quang Dang, Nguyen Van Nghia, Nguyen Van Cong, Lam Minh Hieu and Tran Khanh Van (France).

Most are business people who have positively participated in charity, education, construction, scientific and production activities in HCM City.

HCM City’s Chairman Le Hoang Quan called for overseas Vietnamese to continue contributing their initiatives and opinions and take action to develop the city’s key areas including infrastructure, flood prevention and pollution.

PV