Vietnam-France Relations Gain Fresh Momentum Amidst High-Level Exchanges and Deepening Economic Ties

Vietnam and France are gaining fresh momentum, reflected in the increasing frequency of high-level visits. This signifies clear trust at the highest leadership level, which then spreads to government agencies and other stakeholders in both countries. Unprecedented efforts are being made to translate this trust into concrete results, despite practical obstacles that remain, primarily in the cultural, economic, and financial spheres. French cheese maker Bel has operated in Vietnam since 2011 and now considers the country one of the pillars of its development strategy in Asia. Over the past 15 years, the group has gradually established a long-term production base serving both the Vietnamese market and regional demand. Financial cooperation is emerging as an important pillar of the Vietnam–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as Vietnam accelerates efforts to develop an International Financial Centre. Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung met with President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Zou Jiayi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, on September 12. Domestically, many ethnic minority women in the northwestern province of Dien Bien are becoming more economically independent, supported by livelihood policies and a willingness to embrace change. Successful models are helping raise incomes and boost women’s confidence. Furthermore, a series of activities honouring President Ho Chi Minh and his contributions to Vietnam-China friendship has been held in China’s Yunnan province, highlighting the historical bonds between the two countries and promoting cultural exchanges among their peoples. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on September 12 called on India’s ACME Group and GMR Group to expand investment and cooperation in Vietnam, particularly in clean energy, green industry, high technology and infrastructure. He also urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) to step up projects and initiatives supporting Vietnam in capacity building, advanced trade policy training, legal advice on international disputes and trade facilitation. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam met Vietnamese technology experts based in France in Paris on September 11 afternoon (local time), as part of his official visit to France and attendance at the International Space Summit. He also visited a technology research centre of Thales Group and toured a cleanroom laboratory researching semiconductors and advanced materials. Vietnam attaches importance to its relations with France, one of its leading partners in Europe and on the international stage, and wishes to continue close coordination with France to deepen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a substantive and effective manner, matching the potential, strengths and development needs of both countries in the new period. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.