Vietnam, France consider stronger economic ties

(Bqp.vn) - Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh called for stronger efforts to boost trade and investment with France during his opening speech at the second Vietnam–France high-level economic dialogue in Paris on April 7.

Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh.

Economic matters are among the foci of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership, Vinh said.

He hailed Europe and France for their important parts in Vietnam’s economy, which is under restructuring by way of improving competitiveness and using technological innovations.

French Minister for Economy and Industrial Recovery Arnaud Montebourg said in his speech that the dialogue would help address bottlenecks and prepare for a new development period.

Both sides talked openly about Vietnam’s upcoming projects as well as joint activities in agriculture, industry, environment and waste treatment.

Discussing urban transport projects including a subway line in Hanoi, and energy networks across Vietnam, the Vietnamese side vowed to offer all possible support to French investors.

At the same time, all regulations will be reviewed to make it easier for French goods to enter Vietnam in line with World Trade Organisation rules and multilateral agreements.

The French side expressed interest in supplying more beef, fresh fruit and wine to Vietnam.

Minister Vinh asked the host country to ratify a plan for negotiations on the Vietnam-EU free trade agreement as soon as possible, saying that constraints involving trade and investment between the two countries will be cleared once this document is signed.

The event was the first high-level economic discussion since the two nations lifted their ties to a strategic partnership level in 2013.

The first event of this kind was held in Hanoi last year, presided over by Minister Vinh and French Minister for Foreign Trade Nicole Bricq.

(Source: Nhan Dan)