VietNamNet Bridge - An increasing number of Viet kieu (overseas Vietnamese) have been flocking back to Vietnam as the country barrels down the track of national and economic development.

Nguyen Chanh Khe rebuffed numerous job offers from prominent Japanese and US research centres in order to return home in 2002.

Almost immediately the respected researcher developed a new liquid nano coal to be used in the production of colour and black-and-white printer ink while working as the Director of the R&D Centre of the Sai Gon Hi-tech Park in Ho Chi Minh City.

His recent invention marked the first time carbon nanotube material was produced in Vietnam and is considered a breakthrough for hi-tech industries in developing nations - a development that promises to pave the way for Vietnam's future in the semiconductor market.

The researcher who had earlier won a plethora of awards from Japanese and US institutions made the decision to return home in order to aid the country in its development.

“I have had some successes that have been recognised in the science-technology community abroad. Now it’s the time for me to return and contribute some of what I know to the homeland,” the scientist said.

Dinh Duc Huu is another example of an overseas Vietnamese professional who recognised the massive opportunities that his ethnic homeland now offers. Returning in 1997 and armed with capital in excess of 80 million USD, the former power plant manager established American Technology (ATI-Vietnam).

ATI-Vietnam now focuses on investing in oil and gas exploration and exploitation, eco-tourism, information technology, trade, electronics, and aquaculture and is now active in working towards building Vietnam's first nuclear power plant.

A senior banker from the US, Do Duc Cuong, had worked in numerous countries over the last 20 years and returned home in 2003. He now works as an advisor to domestic banks, Dong A (East Asian) Bank, the Mekong Delta Housing Development Bank, the Ha Noi Housing Development Bank, and the Sai Gon Joint-Stock Bank.

He also provides business consultancy services for the Mai Linh Taxi Company, the Military Telecommunications Corporation (Viettel), the Viet Tien Garment Company, and the Vietnam Insurance Corporation.

According to the Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, close to 1.3 million Vietnamese are now residing in the US, or more than a half of all Vietnamese based abroad. Although a relatively new community in the US, Vietnamese Americans have quickly integrated into society and are now viewed as an important bridge for the Vietnam-US relationship.

(Source: VNA)