France triples ODA to Vietnam
HANOI - France will give priority to goals set by the Vietnamese Government's socio-economic development plan for 2006-10 in its bilateral co-operation programmes with the country next year, said the French Ambassador to Vietnam Jean-Francois Blarel. Blarel was speaking at a press conference held yesterday on celebrating the French National Day (July 14) in Hanoi.
The French Government has decided to triple its Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam to 334 million euros (US$406 million) this year from the previous year as part of implementing agreements signed during French President Jacques Chirac's visit to the country last October.
Commenting on Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh's visit to France last month, Blarel said the visit was a success as leaders of both countries confirmed their positions and agreed to co-operate on international matters and issues of mutual interest.
"The visits are a strong evidence of the 'historic partnership and co-operation' that has tied our two nations. Our relationship has been fruitful and both countries have made considerable achievements in the fields of tourism, telecommunications, aviation, energy, environment and financial services," Blarel said.
"The establishment of a high-level consultancy council for economic co-operation shows the determination of two sides to pursue long-term partnership and growth," he said.
Vietnam News Agency - July 13, 2005.
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