HCM City to promote cooperation with French firms
HCM City to promote cooperation with French firms
Authorities in HCM City want to enhance co-operation with France in the fields of the country’s priority and strength such as smart city development, urban management, finance-banking, logistics, trade and tourism, said Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong.
During a reception for a delegation of leaders from French enterprises led by Francois Corbin from Michelin Group on Sunday, Phong said HCM City hoped to welcome more specific projects and investment cooperation programmes from the French government and enterprises for the local start-up community, especially in technology.
He briefed his French guest on HCM City’s socio-economic development, and highlighted the fruitful development of the Viet Nam-France strategic partnership.
Mutual visits made by the two countries’ high-ranking officials in 2018 have contributed to lifting bilateral relations to a higher level, he affirmed.
Phong also asserted the municipal authorities’ commitment to working with foreign enterprises and investors operating in the city.
He expressed his hope that the French side will promote the completion of necessary procedures for the official signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and Viet Nam (EVFTA) and the EU- Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) in late 2018, and ratification of them in early 2019, thus realising great opportunities brought by the EVFTA, towards benefiting the two countries’ business communities.
For his part, Francois Corbin affirmed the French government always respects their close relations with Viet Nam, especially HCM City.
In recent year, the two sides have made great achievements in their co-operation in culture and education; however, their bonds in investment and trade are yet to match the potential, he noted.
The guest said the French PM’s visit to Viet Nam, with the participation of representatives from French government agencies and leading groups, shows France’s appreciation of its relations with the Southeast Asian nation, especially in the fields of economy, trade, and development co-operation.
French businesses wish to explore investment and cooperation opportunities, and are willing to support and join HCM City’s development, particularly in hi-tech application in maritime economic development, infrastructure development and water treatment, he said.
