A photo exhibition on the association's operations held in the framework of the congress. (Photo: VNA)
Paris (VNA) – The Association of Vietnamese in France (UGVF) convened its 16th congress in Paris on December 11, with the participations of nearly 100 delegates.
The association’s report for the term 2019-2022 spotlighted difficulties that it faced during the last three years caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its members' efforts to maintain the organisation's activities.
Notably, the UGVF quickly resumed the organisation of traditional socio-culture activities, especially those to help Agent Orange/dioxin victims in the homeland, support the lawsuit of Tran To Nga who sued US firms for manufacturing the toxic AO defoliant used by US forces during the war in Vietnam, and raise funds for charity activities.
The association carried out its activities in various forms, the report said, adding that these show the association’s ability of adaptation and creativeness in difficult circumstances.
Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang and members of the UGVF's executive committee (Photo: VNA)
Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang highly appreciated the association's contributions to the country since its founding, expressing the hope that the organization will find new approaches in organising activities to attract more and more members, especially young people.
The embassy and representative agencies of Vietnam in France as well as domestic authorities in the homeland will always accompany, coordinate and support the Vietnamese association in France in particular and the Vietnamese community in France in general, towards building a united and strong community, he affirmed.
The congress elected a new 28-member executive committee and a representative and strategic board with 10 members. Vuong Huu Nhan was re-elected as Chairman of the UGVF for the new tenure.
Established in 1919, the UGVF has greatly contributed to Vietnam’s development and promoting the country’s image in France, and supporting overseas Vietnamese in France. It also serves as a bridge connecting the two countries./.
The State Committee on Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (COVA) highly values the role played by the General Union of Vietnamese in France (UGVF) in the system of Vietnamese organisations abroad.
Oversea Vietnamese (OVs) in France always believe in the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), and hope the country will develop strongly, said former Vice President of the Association of Vietnamese in France (UGVF) Nguyen Thanh Tong.
Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu on April 5 had a working session with the Vietnamese community in France, his first meeting in the country as Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs.
Vietnam has over 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, including hundreds of thousands in the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many live with severe disabilities, facing high medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
A photo exhibition on the association's operations held in the framework of the congress. (Photo: VNA) 
Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang and members of the UGVF's executive committee (Photo: VNA) 
