French business circle showed their interests in Vietnam's development strategy, especially in the 2011-2015 period and between now and 2020.
Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc made the remarks after his working sessions with France’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade J.H. Lellouche, Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Christine Lagarde and Secretary of State for Health in charge of cooperation programmes with Vietnam Nora Berra while visiting France from February 16-18.
He said the French political and business circles always pay attention to expanding investment in and cooperation with Vietnam .
France currently ranks second after Japan and first in the EU in terms of bilateral assistance to Vietnam since 1990 which has helped facilitate Vietnam’s socio-economic development process, the minister said.
The EU member country has committed US$3 billion to Vietnam, focusing on the telecom, processing, oil and gas and power industries.
Minister Phuc further said that France pays special attention to developing markets human resources and infrastructure in Vietnam.
With potentials in infrastructure development, France considers this a great chance for its investment in infrastructure in Vietnam, he added.
At the Vietnam-France business forum held on February 18, French business people and their Vietnamese partners discussed possibilities of investment and measures to remove obstacles while doing business in Vietnam.
They are keen on projects on electricity development, urban planning and construction of seaports and airports.
Regarding the two countries’ strategic cooperation, Minister Phuc said Vietnam and France are looking towards strategic partnership.
At present, the French political and business circles highlight the role of Vietnam in Southeast Asia, while Vietnam speaks highly of the role of France in the EU, Minister Phuc said.
(VNA)
