Workshop in France spotlights Vietnam’s economy

Speaking at the seminar, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Nguyen Ngoc Son stressed that Vietnam began its reform policy by opening its door to the world. Vietnam wants to become a trustworthy and responsible partner of the international community, he said.

The ambssador introduced Vietnam’s economic achievements and the importance of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership.

France is currently the bilateral second biggest provider of official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, with a committed amount of 3 billion USD since 1993.

France is also Vietnam’s third biggest export market in the European Union, he said, adding that France is investing over 3 billion EUR in more than 300 projects in Vietnam.

However, the diplomat said bilateral economic ties still fail to match with potential of both sides. He expected that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UVFTA), which is scheduled to take effect next summer, will foster trade and investment relations between the two nations.

Participants lauded the strong development of Vietnam in recent years. They expressed their interest to learn about the teaching of French language in Vietnam, key Vietnamese exports to France and Vietnam’s average living standards and heath care.

Touraine-Vietnam has hosted various events to introduce Vietnam’s traditional culture and socio-economic development in France. In November last year, the organization received a certificate of merit bestowed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for its outstanding work.