Vietnam, France agree to strengthen economic links

VIR photo: Phung Chi Cuong

The event was chaired by Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh and French Minister of External Commerce Nicole Bricq.

Addressing the event, Vinh said both Vietnam and France are endowed with conditions and potential to expand ties in various fields, and wish to become strategic partners in the near future.

Vietnam welcomes French investment in fields of its strength like tourism, urban planning, infrastructure and administrative management, Vinh said, adding that the country wants to acquire France’s high and source technologies.

Bricq expressed her wish that France will bolster multifaceted ties with Vietnam, with priority given to economics. Additionally, France looks towards tightening relations with Vietnam in a more effective and practical manner.

French businesses are ready to work with and transfer technology to Vietnamese partners, she said.

During the event, the French side agreed on France’s additional funding for urban railway project No. 3 in Hanoi, and its aid for healthcare equipment procurement project at Can Tho General Hospital.

On the occasion, the French side also agreed to provide 8 million EUR for Vietnam’s Preparation Technical Assistance Facility.

The two ministers discussed intellectual property rights, products’ geographical indication, application of international standards in large-scale projects, financial and management solutions for infrastructure projects, especially those with both public and private involvement.

French enterprises are interested in some infrastructure projects in Vietnam like the Ca Pass Tunnel, Yen Vien–Lao Cai railway, and metro systems.

The two sides also signed a joint statement and agreements on funding the public-private partnership facilitation project and seeking solutions to flood control in Dong Nai river basin.