House Speaker Tomio Okamura visits the Sapa Trade Center. (Photo: VNA)

At the meeting, Hoang Dinh Thang, President of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, noted that throughout the 76 years of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic, generations of Vietnamese people have lived, studied, and worked in this Central European nation. He highlighted the community's commitment to hard work, business, legal compliance, and proactive integration, noting that for many, the Czech Republic has become a second home.

Hoang Dinh Thang affirmed that the community would continue to uphold the spirit of solidarity and contribute actively to the host society, while simultaneously preserving its national cultural identity and fostering friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Ambassador of Viet Nam to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam emphasized the role of the Sapa Trade Center in the economic, cultural, and community life of Vietnamese people in Prague. Often described as a “miniature Hanoi,” Sapa serves not only as a business hub but also as a space for preserving the Vietnamese language, culinary culture, and traditional customs. It also acts as a venue for introducing Vietnamese culture to Czech citizens and international friends.

According to Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam, the Sapa Trade Center has become increasingly integral to the lives of the Vietnamese community over years of development, while also creating opportunities for interaction with the host society. The Ambassador highly appreciated the attention paid by the Czech Parliament and Government to the Vietnamese community, which has helped facilitate their integration and active participation in socio-economic life.

Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura commended the integration process and the contributions of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. According to him, diligence, a strong work ethic, a high regard for education, and a sense of responsibility toward the family are the factors that help the Vietnamese community increasingly establish its position within the host society.

Czech Chamber of Deputies Speaker Tomio Okamura speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

He also expressed his admiration for the young generation of Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic. Many have acquired Czech citizenship, are fluent in the Czech language, and actively participate in various aspects of social life. The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies stated that the visit aimed to gain firsthand insight into the business activities, daily lives, and concerns of the Vietnamese community.

Following the meeting, the Czech parliamentary delegation visited various stalls at the Sapa Trade Center. They explored the operational models, product and service ranges, and business activities of the enterprises there.

Tomio Okamura highly appreciated the work ethic, dynamism, and achievements of the businesses established by the Vietnamese community. He noted that these enterprises contribute to the Czech economy while fostering exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the Vietnamese community and the local population.

The delegation also toured the stalls and met with small business owners at the Sapa Trade Center. According to the Speaker, Sapa has evolved from a site primarily dedicated to trade into a hub for culture, cuisine, and community interaction, attracting an increasing number of Czech locals for visits, shopping, and new experiences.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Czech legislative leader to gain firsthand insight into the lives and integration process of the Vietnamese community. It served to acknowledge the community's contributions across economic, cultural, and social spheres, thereby helping to strengthen ties with the host society and nurture the friendship between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic.

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