French Doctor Reflects on 40 Years of Vietnam's Economic Rise

Dr. Gildas Tréguier, a French doctor, has centered his career on his involvement with Vietnam since 1988, spanning over four decades. He has participated in successive phases of the "Born and Raised in Vietnam" program, run by APPEL, GHBS, and partners including the city of Lorient and the Brittany region. He has also collaborated with the FSFV (France-Vietnam Friendship Association), established in 2015, for more than a decade. Dr. Tréguier's engagement with Vietnam coincided with the country's initiation of the Đổi Mới (Renovation) policy, marking its transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one. In the early years, Vietnam's healthcare infrastructure was fragile and faced numerous challenges. However, through international cooperation and the dedicated efforts of the Vietnamese people, including those involved in programs like the one Dr. Tréguier participated in, the quality of healthcare services has steadily improved, leading to better public health outcomes. The improvement of healthcare access, especially in rural and impoverished areas, has been a crucial aspect of Vietnam's social development. Economically, Dr. Tréguier has witnessed Vietnam's rapid industrialization and urbanization firsthand. Rural landscapes have transformed into modern cityscapes, significantly altering people's lifestyles. This economic growth has also fostered stronger ties with the international community, particularly in Europe. The encouragement for Vietnamese entrepreneurs in France to connect with the European market and the boost in defense cooperation between Vietnam and France across multiple areas highlight this deepening relationship. Dr. Tréguier's extensive experience reflects the challenges Vietnam has overcome and its resilience. The country's economic rise under a one-party system has followed a unique trajectory, achieving rapid development while maintaining social stability. In its foreign relations, particularly with China, Vietnam navigates economic interdependence alongside geopolitical considerations. The continuous involvement of foreign professionals like Dr. Tréguier has been instrumental in bringing international perspectives and expertise to Vietnam's development.