A high-level economic dialogue between Vietnam and France took place
in Hanoi on April 9 to discuss ways to enhance bilateral economic
ties, especially in trade and investment.
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.-VNA