During the July 15-16 visit, Thang held working sessions with Marc Lecerf, mayor of Fleury-sur-Orne and the leadership of the Normandie Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Normandie).

At these meetings, Thang emphasised the strategic importance of strengthening regional ties within the broader bilateral framework.

Normandy, with its strengths in industry, innovation, agriculture, logistics, and energy, represents a crucial partner in Vietnam’s vision for sustainable development and industrial modernisation, he stated.

Home to a dynamic economy, key ports, and strengths in strategic industries, the region attracted strong interest from Vietnam in areas including trade, infrastructure, high-tech, agriculture, and sports.

Normandy exports 140% of its GDP, with industry accounting for 20%, making it among France’s most industrialized and export-driven regions. The ports of Le Havre and Rouen form a vital logistics axis, connecting by river to Paris via the Seine, offering competitive access routes to Europe.

In addition, the French region hosts robust industrial clusters, including the automotive sector that employs 45,000 people across manufacturers and suppliers, Ariane Group specialising in rocket engines and satellite technology, and dairy and food industry with 26,000 jobs.

The ambassador outlined major opportunities for cooperation in projects such as Vietnam’s over 1,000 km North–South expressway, high-speed railway, and new nuclear power plants – the areas where France offers advanced technological capabilities.

He proposed hosting a “Normandie Day in Vietnam” to showcase local specialties, akin to the “Goût de France” event series regularly held in Vietnam.

Both sides also explored collaboration in dairy and cheese production, agricultural tech, sharing Normandy’s cooperative models and export expertise with Vietnamese partners. They signalled interest in expanding healthcare and pharmaceutical cooperation, especially in cancer treatment and chronic disease therapeutics where Normandy has strong research capabilities.

Ho Chi Minh City marks France’s National Day with commitment to broader cooperation

VOV.VN - Building on the strong bilateral foundation between France and Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City takes pride in being one of the country’s most dynamic localities in boosting cooperation with France.