Vietnam expects France, a major European partner in trade, investment and development cooperation, to make new investment waves in the country on the back of its gradual recovery after the global economic crisis, said Ambassador to France Le Kinh Tai.
The diplomat attended a “ Vietnam ’s Day” event held in Lyon , France , on April 7, with the aim of introducing to businesspeople from Lyon and the Rhone-Alpes region potential cooperation opportunities in Vietnam .
The event brought together 100 representatives from the economic circle in the region as well as overseas Vietnamese businesspeople.
Ambassador Tai said that the model of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) have come up with many opportunities for French and Vietnamese businesses to cooperate, in such fields as safe water supply, environmental protection, waste treatment, urban transportation and infrastructure.
He affirmed that French enterprises’ commitments to cooperation with Vietnam have worked to boost the two countries’ economic cooperation and also help them gain access to Southeast Asia .
President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association, Honorary Senator Helene Luc praised Vietnam ’s growing position in the regional and international arena and expressed her hope that Vietnam would become a destination with many cooperation opportunities for those from the Rhone-Alpes region.
Rhone-Alpes Vice President Bernard Soulage noted the fact that the presence of French businesses and investors in Vietnam has not matched their role and position.
Rhone-Alpes , France ’s second largest economic hub, has cooperated with Ho Chi Minh City for nearly 15 years, starting with an urban light project. It plans to sign a cooperation agreement with HCM City for the 2012-2015 period in October this year./.
(VNA)
