For the past years Vietnam and France have developed many cooperation programmes together in all areas. In 2013, the two countries upgraded their relations to a strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in cooperation relations. Vietnam Business Forum interviewed H.E Mr Jean-Noël Poirier, Ambassador of France to Vietnam, on the close relations of the two countries. Anh Mai reports.
Could you please tell us the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France for the past years?
France and Vietnam had relations for over two centuries. We don’t have this proximity with any other country in Asia. France was among the first, with the visit of President François Mitterrand in 1993, to support Vietnam in its integration into the global economy. Since then, we have developed together many cooperation programmes in all areas: investment, education, culture, science and technologies, and defence.
In culture and education, for example, we are major partners. Our academic programs train the elite of tomorrow in Vietnam in many areas. The Franco-Vietnamese Training Centre for Management (CFVG) or the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), involving 59 universities and French research centres, are elite programs in the academic landscape. France hosts more than 6,000 Vietnamese students, the third most popular destination in the world for Vietnamese students. On cultural dissemination and support for creation, the French Institute of Vietnam, now in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Danang, has a significant role in Vietnam.
Concerning official development assistance, the French Development Agency (AFD) has already committed more than 1.3 billion euro in the country. Vietnam is the second largest partner of AFD. Over the period 2006-2012, nearly 800 million euros were granted.
I could cite many other successes, such as cooperation in health, on law and governance, science, agriculture, audiovisual and media, and all the decentralised cooperation through cities and provinces.
France and Vietnam have a close relationship that binds us intimately. It comes from history, but is also looking to the future.
Our two peoples know and appreciate each other. French architectural heritage, some French customs and lifestyles can still be seen in Vietnam today. Vietnam is part of the family history of many French; our tourist exchanges demonstrate the attractiveness of Vietnam’s ancestral culture, heritage and dynamism. The Vietnamese community living in France is also remarkably dynamic.
Vietnam has changed, has opened to the world and has shown remarkable development. We want to open a new chapter in our shared history, give a new impetus to this relationship based on trust, respect and friendship.
What should Vietnam to do to attract more French companies?
French investments as well as French-Vietnamese bilateral trade are both increasing, year after year, in spite of the macroeconomic slowdown in Europe, during the past few years.
Frameworks for further investments in all the sectors where French know-how and excellence is recognized are already existing. Both countries are nevertheless expecting more. After the successful visit of Prime Minister Dung in France last September, new investments are anticipated in the aeronautical, banking, automotive and energy sectors, notably. In order to achieve this, it is highly important that Vietnam pursue its efforts in ensuring a transparent and stable business environment, as well as improving market access. This was set as a priority by the Vietnamese prime minister during the last Vietnam Business Forum and in its recent 2014 New year’s message. The upcoming Free trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Union will be a key factor in this sense.
Could you please tell us what Vietnam and France need do to promote bilateral relations?
Along with the momentum created by the Year France Vietnam 2013-2014 celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations and all its related events in the economic and trade area, France and Vietnam, their governments and their companies, will work together closely to give a concrete translation to the bilateral strategic partnership which was signed during Prime Minister Dung’s visit to France in September 2013. But even though French companies are already active in the country, they should be able to take a better part in the infrastructure, energy, transport and sectors. The bilateral trade balance is today largely in favour of Vietnam. Vietnamese exports perform very well and this is good news. One of my objectives is to try to improve our market share in Vietnamese imports. This would be in line with our efforts in terms of ODA, France being by far the first European contributor, and FDI, France being second European investor in the country.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
