The southern province of Kien Giang wants to increase cooperation and people-to-people exchange with French localities, and welcomes French investors and businesspeople to the province, said a provincial official at a gathering to mark the 45^th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties on May 25^th.

At the gathering to mark the 45^th founding anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties.

Addressing the event, President of Provincial Union of Friendship Le Van Hong emphasised that since the two countries established diplomatic ties 45 years ago, France has remained Vietnam’s leading partner in Europe and the world at large. Cooperation between the two countries’ localities has also been expanded with the participation of 20 French localities and 15 cities and provinces of Vietnam.

Vice Chairman of Kien Giang People’s Committee Mai Van Huynh said as early as in 2012, the province signed with the French city of Lorient a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on fishing, seafood processing, ship building, education-training, health care, tourism and investment support.

Since then, Kien Giang has also held a number of events to promote trade and investment ties with French businesses. The province is now home to two French investment projects with combined capital of USD 4.3 million. Some non-governmental organisations of France have implemented some support projects in Kien Giang in the fields of public health, education and rural development.

Deputy Ambassador of France to Vietnam Olivier Sigaud stressed that bilateral ties are enjoying development with effective cooperation across many fields after 45 years of diplomatic relations and five years as strategic partners.

He highlighted the growing partnership in culture, education, justice, administration, economic development, and defence-security. He particularly noted that more than 7,000 Vietnamese students are pursuing education in France.

The Deputy Ambassador said Vietnam has great potential for development and investors share the assessment that the country’s economy is seeing stable growth.

He affirmed that French businesses want to continue to invest in Vietnam, adding that for Kien Giang, France will promote investment in seafood processing, tourism and service.

Vietnam and France established a diplomatic relationship on April 12^th, 1973. France was among the first Western countries to set up ties with Vietnam and assist the country in national reconstruction.

The two countries entered into a strategic partnership in September 2013, marking a step forward in political trust and opening up new directions for close cooperation./.

VNF