Vietnam urges French firms to invest
HANOI - Vietnam presents itself as a country striving towards drastic administrative reform and full international integration, drawing a spectacular picture for foreign and especially French investors.
Over the past five years, Vietnam has approved 101 legal documents regarding State administrative reform, said Ambassador Nguyen Dinh Bin at a workshop in Paris, France, on June 13. The event, hosted by the France-Asia Society, drew executives from French economic giants such as AXA and ALCATEL which are either operating in or interested in opening businesses in Vietnam.
Bin reiterated Vietnam's external policies of establishing relations with all other countries on the principles of respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference and the absence of recourse to force or threat to use force, solving crises or disputes through negotiations, and equality and respect for the mutual interests of relevant parties.
Vietnam has so far established diplomatic relations with 169 countries, fully joined 63 international organisations and established cooperative ties with over 500 international bodies, said the diplomat.
Bin cited France as an example of successful partnership with over 170 projects capitalised at US$2.7 billion currently operational in Vietnam, making it the biggest European investor and one of the top ten foreign investors in the country.
Bilateral trade turnover grew by 10 per cent in each of the past five years, reaching US$1.5 billion in 2005, said the ambassador.
He also expressed appreciation for France's assistance in community development as demonstrated in over 650 projects covering all aspects of life for 54 out of 64 provinces and cities of Vietnam.
These projects have attracted over 1,000 partners from localities, universities and social organisations in France. They have operated effectively, mostly on small scale, and contributed to the development of communities in Vietnam, Ambassador Bin concluded.
Jean-Marie Cambaceres, President of the France-Asia Society, told a Vietnam News correspondent in Paris that Vietnam, with its rapid changes, presents great opportunities for French investors and entrepreneurs.
He said French investors much act rapidly so as not to miss out on the opportunities in Vietnam, particularly in light of its pending WTO membership.
He said that because of its secure investment environment, political stability, complete and improved legal system and framework, and its industrious and disciplined labour force, Vietnam currently is an attractive market for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.
Most French entrepreneurs are satisfied with Vietnam's renewal and their business in the country, said Cambaceres.
Vietnam News Agency - June 16, 2006.
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