(VNA) - The Hoa (Chinese) community has markedly contributed to socio-economic development in Viet Nam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, said permanent Deputy Secretary of HCM City's Party Committee Le Hoang Quan.

Quan further said that the Chinese people, who began to resettle in the city over 300 years ago, have lived in harmony with other ethnic communities.

According to the municipal board for Chinese Vietnamese Affairs, about 1 million Chinese are residing in Viet Nam, with half of them being residents of HCM City.

Accounting for a little over 8 percent of the city's population, the Chinese community has made important contributions to the city's development. In some districts, which have large populations of Chinese Vietnamese residents, businesses run by the community usually make up between 40 and 70 percent of the local production value.

Chinese entrepreneurs have taken the lead in renewing technology and expanding production and business. They have built prestigious trademarks in domestic and foreign markets such as Biti's footwear and Kinh Do bakery. Many businesses owned by local Chinese Vietnamese residents have been awarded Labour Orders, and their products have been selected as key industrial staples of the city.

The local Chinese community annually organises traditional festivals introducing and preserving their traditions and cultural identity. They have both integrated themselves into the society, and preserved their own cultural identity, thus diversifying the culture of Viet Nam.

The local Chinese Vietnamese have also participated in charity activities. In 2004, the community raised more than 7 billion VND (roughly 450,000 USD) to help nearly 6,000 low income households and to build schools and communication networks in poor communes. Many donors have been awarded for their participation in the city's social and charity movements.

The training of the Chinese language has been a boosted by the municipal leaders. At present, the Chinese language is taught in 23 primary and junior high schools in the city and about 12,500 students are attending 340 Chinese classes at foreign language training centres.

The city's Education and Training Service has compiled a set of Chinese language text books for primary schools nationwide and has trained 350 Chinese language teachers, who frequently join refresher courses to improve their language skills.

Dao Nhieu Linh, head of the HCM City board for Chinese Vietnamese affairs, said that the Chinese community considered Viet Nam as their homeland and will cooperate closely with other ethnic groups in the cause of national construction.