France committed to support in digital and energy transition

France committed to support in digital and energy transition

Last week, Laurent Saint-Martin, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, visited Vietnam to boost trade and investment ties between the two countries. He spoke with VIR’s Thanh Tung about the prospects for cooperation.

You have visited Vietnam to mark 52 years of France-Vietnam diplomatic relations. What have been the key priorities of your visit, and how does it align with the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries?

Laurent Saint-Martin, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad

This visit has marked an important step in deepening the French-Vietnamese relationship. The comprehensive strategic partnership signed in October 2024, during the visit to Paris by Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam, gave a new impetus to our bilateral relationship. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to elevate our cooperation to an unprecedented level, structured around three pillars, namely sovereignty, sustainable economic development, and innovation.

My ambition is to amplify the momentum and go even further. I have met with several Vietnamese ministers to translate this ambition into concrete actions. The goal has been to strengthen our political dialogue and identify new opportunities for cooperation on shared priorities.

At a time of global trade tensions and economic uncertainty, it is crucial to foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and joint responses. France is committed to supporting Vietnam in its ambitions for growth, transition, and sovereignty – sharing our expertise and building a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust.

How is France supporting its companies in their development in Vietnam, particularly smaller businesses and innovative startups?

Vietnam is a key economic partner for France in Southeast Asia. More than 250 French companies are operating in the country. Our companies are reliable, long-term partners. But beyond the numbers, our ambition is to foster value-creating partnerships in forward-looking sectors.

The French Embassy to Vietnam, along with Business France, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, and the entire Team France Export, actively supports French companies in establishing and growing their presence. We place particular emphasis on innovative startups, which find in Vietnam a young, dynamic and vibrant ecosystem.

The French Tech Vietnam Summit, to be held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 27, in partnership with the National Innovation Centre, will highlight these French and Vietnamese entrepreneurs who are building technological bridges between our two countries.

TGV Day, held in Hanoi in March, was another strong example of this business dialogue. It showcased the best of French expertise while helping us better understand Vietnam’s needs and expectations.

Vietnam is actively engaging in the energy and digital transitions. What synergies can France offer in these areas?

France is fully committed to supporting Vietnam in its dual energy and digital transition. We bring recognised expertise in low-carbon energy, sustainable transport, and smart resource management. French companies rank among the best in the world in those key sectors. Their expertise and know-how is second to none. Their global track record speaks for itself.

We are close partners in the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which supports Vietnam’s transition while ensuring social and environmental sustainability. This work also aligns with the broader vision of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet.

On the digital front, France is eager to strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, AI, e-health, edtech, and e-government - a key area of focus for Vietnamese authorities. These are all strategic fields where we can share knowledge, co-develop solutions, and innovate together.

Can we expect major new initiatives in the field of innovation between France and Vietnam in 2025?

Absolutely. Innovation is one of the pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our two countries. In 2025, we will jointly launch the France–Vietnam Year of Innovation, in partnership with Vietnam’s National Innovation Centre.

This initiative will give special visibility to our rich scientific, technological, and academic cooperation. The launch will take place on May 27 alongside the French Tech Vietnam Summit, which will bring together the French and Vietnamese innovation ecosystems to foster exchanges and concrete collaborations.

Throughout the year, we will lead joint actions to encourage student and scientific mobility, support Franco-Vietnamese academic programmes, and expand the alumni network.

Innovation is also an investment in youth and future ideas. By combining our strengths, talents, and visions, we are building a partnership that is forward-looking, sustainable, and deeply human.

VIR