French Business Community Eyes Boost in Cooperation During Top Vietnamese Leader's Visit

The official visit to France by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam is expected by the French business community to further consolidate bilateral ties and serve as a "catalyst" for accelerating joint projects. Top leader’s visit to concretise strategic vision for Vietnam–France relations: ambassador Vietnam–France ties poised for deeper, more practical cooperation: French Honorary Senator Historical foundation, future momentum for Vietnam–France ties This visit is seen as an opportunity to concretize the strategic vision for Vietnam-France relations and promote deeper economic cooperation. The French business community is paying close attention to Vietnam's economic growth and market potential, hoping that new cooperative relationships and investment opportunities will emerge through this visit. In recent years, Vietnam, while maintaining a stable political foundation under its one-party system, has pursued active market-oriented reforms and opening up to the international community. In particular, the entry into force of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has boosted Vietnam's export-driven economic growth, and strengthening economic ties with European countries, including France, is a key strategy for Vietnam. This visit by General Secretary and President To Lam is positioned not merely as a diplomatic event, but as a concrete step to further solidify the economic ties between the two countries. France has expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, aerospace, and healthcare, while Vietnam seeks technology transfer and investment in high-value-added industries. While Vietnam's complex relationship with China is always a background factor in its foreign relations, strengthening ties with Europe holds significant importance for economic diversification and geopolitical balancing. Deepening relations with major European powers like France is also essential for Vietnam to enhance its influence in the international arena. The French business community, while expecting further improvements in Vietnam's legal system and investment environment, strongly hopes that this visit will promote business exchanges between the two countries and lead to tangible results.