Health centre supporting Vietnamese expats in Poland in coronavirus testing procedures
	Vietnamese expatriates Present 12 Tonnes of Rice to Ho Chi Minh City

According to VNA, on February 12th, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen (Thailand) organized the 2026 Homeland Spring Festival, featuring many unique cultural activities that attracted a large number of Vietnamese expatriates from the northeastern provinces of Thailand.

Vietnamese expatriates in the northeastern provinces of Thailand participate in a banh chung wrapping competition. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

Speaking at the event, the Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen, Dinh Hoang Linh, stated that in 2025, Vietnam have achieved important and comprehensive accomplishments in all fields, creating momentum and strength for rapid and sustainable development in the new era. Notably, economic growth is estimated at 8.02%, the highest in the region and among the world's leading economies, GDP per capita reaches US$5,026, and the size of the economy reaches US$514 billion, placing Vietnam among the 32 largest economies in the world.

The 2026 Homeland Spring Festival also carries a message of congratulations on the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Consul General Dinh Hoang Linh expressed his confidence that the Vietnamese community in Thailand will continue to uphold the spirit of patriotism and solidarity, working together to build a strong and prosperous nation.

In discussions with reporters, many overseas Vietnamese expressed their emotion and pride in participating in the program. Hoang Thi Quy (Sakon Nakhon province) said that despite being away from home for many years, she and her family are keen on preserving traditional Tet customs. Tran Van Be (Yasothon province), who traveled hundreds of kilometers to attend the festival, said he has never missed a community gathering and has brought his parents back to Vietnam 18 times.

Ho Van Lam, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Thailand, assessed that the community, across generations, has always been united, abides by local laws, preserves the Vietnamese language and national identity. Thai-Vietnamese businesspeople are increasingly playing a bridging role in the economy, trade, and investment between the two countries, contributing to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Thailand.

This year's festival was highlighted by the first-ever competition for wrapping and cooking banh chung, a fashion show of ao dai, and the launch of the Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club in Northeast Thailand. An art troupe from Ho Chi Minh City participated in the performance, contributing to spreading national pride to overseas Vietnamese.

In the Russian Federation, on February 11th, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Russian Federation organized a traditional banh chung making program for the spouses of embassy staff and employees from agencies alongside the embassy in Russia. This annual activity creates a bonding space, helping those living far from home preserve the traditional Tet customs.

The spouses of officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy to Russia and agencies alongside the Embassy participated in making banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes). (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi emphasized that the tradition of making banh chung is not only a way to prepare for Tet, but also a meaningful cultural bond that helps generations of Vietnamese in Russia preserve their pride in national heritage. Many spouses of embassy officials shared that the gathering eased their homesickness during the harsh winter days in “the Land of the White Birch” - Russia.

Meanwhile, on February 10, the Vietnamese community in Germany celebrated the Lunar New Year at the Dong Xuan Center in Berlin, drawing a large number of overseas Vietnamese and international friends.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Dac Thanh noted that 2025 marked significant national milestones, particularly key decisions to streamline the administrative apparatus, restructure development space, and create fresh momentum for strategic breakthroughs. At the same time, Vietnam-Germany relations have continued to deepen across multiple sectors. Germany remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner within the European Union, with bilateral trade surpassing US$13 billion for the first time.

The two countries also organized numerous activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, while looking ahead to another important milestone - the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Strategic Partnership (2011-2026). The Ambassador affirmed that the Vietnamese community in Germany serves as a vital bridge in promoting bilateral ties, fostering integration, and contributing positively to local society.

Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh (second from the left), his spouse, and guests scoop up banh chung to launch the ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

German Federal Parliament Vice President Bodo Ramelow stated that the more than 200,000 Vietnamese people living and working in Germany, who also serve as "ambassadors of peace" contributing to promoting cooperation between the two countries. He highly appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries in labor and vocational training.

Vice President Bodo Ramelow is expected to visit Vietnam in June 2026 to promote parliamentary cooperation, human resource exchange, and experience sharing.

German delegates acknowledged the bridging role of the Vietnamese community and expressed their desire to strengthen local cooperation between Berlin and Hanoi. The Tet space with peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, calligraphers, a banh chung making area, and traditional cuisine made a strong impression, contributing to promoting Vietnamese culture in Germany.

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