Vietnamese, French localities step up cooperation
A panel discussion on increasing cooperation between Vietnamese and French localities in support projects, volunteer mobilisation, and post-pandemic medical and economic recovery took place in Hanoi on April 14 as part of the ongoing 12th Vietnam-France decentralised cooperation conference.
Morgane Millon from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs informed participants on the ministry’s two main tools to support cooperation projects between localities – a funding raising activity and a programme that certifies local strengths.
The ministry can grant Vietnamese localities total funding of 50% of a project’s cost, with accepted projects being small and human-related in training, community awareness raising, citizenship, and international cooperation, she said, adding that many localities of Vietnam have obtained this aid.
Anne de Soucy, Director of Partnerships at the French Development Agency ADF, said the agency is sponsoring three projects in Hanoi and one in Binh Dinh.
In addition to financial support, AFD also assists in recruiting leading industry experts for Vietnam, she noted, pledging her best support for cooperation programmes with Vietnam.
Gildas Tresguler, General Secretary of the France-Vietnam Medical Federation, highlighted the countries’ collaboration in the field of medicine despite COVID-19 and hoped the sides will engage in stronger cooperation in the time to come.
Vice Chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee Nguyen Van Hong said the Mekong Delta city has cooperated with the French city of Nice in culture, tourism, education and health; and with La Seyne-sur-Mer in industry, aquaculture, tourism, health, and education.
According to Hong, in 2022, Can Tho exports US$18.98 million worth of goods to France. It houses two French-funded ODA projects together valued at EUR55.83 million.
Cooperation between Vietnamese and French communities date back to the 1990s. The conference has been held every two or three years since 1996, with Vietnamese and French localities taking turns to host the event. It is a chance for both sides to discuss difficulties, evaluate results, and deliver feasible solutions to foster partnerships, thus strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
