The 2013-2014 Vietnam-France Year will officially kick off on April 9,
2013 , in Hanoi to mark the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic
ties (1973-2013).

The information was announced at a press briefing held by the French Embassy in Hanoi on March 19.

French ambassador to Vietnam Jean Noel Poirier said Vietnam-France
relations are of trust and friendship, adding that Vietnam-France Year
will open a new chapter in bilateral ties.

During
Vietnam-France Year, Vietnam will host France Year from April 9 to the
end of 2013, and France will organise Vietnam Year from the first
half of 2014.

France Year in Vietnam , which is
expected to see the participation of French Minister of Foreign Trade
Nicole Bricq, will include up to 100 events relating to culture,
economy, science and education.

There will be 40
economic activities during 2013, starting with the Vietnam-France
Business Forum, scheduled to be held in Ho Chi Minh City from April 7 to
9, said the embassy’s commercial counsellor Tardieu Smith.

It will be followed by the first session of the France-Vietnam annual
senior dialogue held in Hanoi on April 9, she added.

Meanwhile, outstanding cultural activities including a film festival,
concert and photo exhibition will be organised in Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh
City and other localities.

France Year in Vietnam will end with a laser light show in Ho Chi Minh City.-VNA