France a reliable partner of Vietnam: French Ambassador
French ambassador to Vietnam, Antoine Pouillieute, has affirmed that
Vietnam remains a reliable partner of France.
Ambassador Pouillieute was speaking at a media briefing in Hanoi on
Wednesday to review the development of cooperation and future prospects
between Vietnam and France in anticipation of France’s National Day (July
14).
Mr. Pouillieute noted that France is currently a key European partner of
Vietnam and a reliable and effective friend in bilateral relations. Bilateral
relations have seen fruitful results in the fields of economics, culture, ODA and
law-making.
Among European countries, Mr. Pouillieute said, France remains a major
donor for Vietnam. The French Government has pledged 85 million Euro for
Vietnam in the 2003 fiscal year, with 54 percent of the total being grants and
the remainder in the form of loans. To date it has invested in 123 projects in
Vietnam with a total investment capital of 1,6 billion euros. The aid has helped
speed up Vietnam’s administrative and banking reforms, modernise the
education system, promote cultural cooperation, and raise the competitive
edge of national economy. Infrastructure construction projects, legal reforms,
and human resource development have also been given priority.
Mr. Pouillieute said France supports Vietnam’s open-door policy and its
integration process. France has formulated many cooperation programs to
help Vietnam facilitate its WTO accession.
Mr. Pouillieute revealed that France’s Foreign Trade Minister and a group of
entrepreneurs will visit Vietnam this November to explore cooperation
opportunities in Vietnam. Many French companies including Astrium
Corporation are interested in a project to build the first satellite for Vietnam.
They also keep their eyes on other projects on a tram system in Hanoi,
tourism, agriculture and foodstuff.
In the coming time, the two countries will organise the fourth Vietnam-France
Economic and Finance Forum, open the International French University in the
2005-2005 academic year, and inaugurate the new French Culture and
Civilisation Centre in Hanoi.
Voice of Vietnam Radio - July 10, 2003.
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