In a meeting, Wouter van Wersch, executive vice president of Airbus, voiced the corporation’s desire to continue its partnership with Vietnam Airlines in modernising its fleet. He also proposed new areas of cooperation, including aerospace technology, particularly providing advanced optical satellite solutions building on the success of the VNREDSat-1 satellite, and the use of environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient technologies, as well as the development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Appreciating Airbus’ successful cooperation with Vietnamese partners, especially the VNREDSat-1 project, the Prime Minister called on the corporation to increase its cooperation with Vietnam. He suggested expanding into aircraft sales contracts with reasonable pricing and timely delivery, technology transfer, workforce training, aircraft maintenance and support.

In the long term, he encouraged Airbus to engage in research and production of aircraft components and space technology in Vietnam.

Also in the morning, Chinh also met with leaders of Thales, one of the world’s leading technology companies with over 81,000 employees globally. Thales is investing heavily in digital and deep tech innovations, including big data, AI, positioning technologies, cybersecurity, and quantum technology. The group has maintained a presence in Vietnam since 1994.

The Thales representatives expressed interest in expanding cooperation, particularly in telecommunications satellites, including a proposal to engage in the VINASAT-3 satellite project. They also stated their willingness to work with the French Ministry of Economics and Finance to support the issues raised by the Prime Minister regarding satellite development and other potential areas of cooperation.

Chinh for his part emphasised that space exploration and utilisation is a key strategic direction for Vietnam’s development. He proposed that Thales work with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) to undertake satellite projects in a manner that ensures fair competition while honoring the strong bilateral relations between Vietnam and France.

He also requested Thales to clarify details related to funding, technology, and operational management to enable Vietnam to make informed decisions, and to explore cooperation in other fields where the group holds strengths.

Stronger Vietnam – France business connectivity encouraged for win-win outcomes

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised the importance of boosting economic cooperation between Vietnam and France at a joint business forum in Paris on June 11, encouraging the two countries’ business communities to foster their connectivity for win-win outcomes.