Hanoi , April 9 (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh has expressed hope that Vietnam-France cooperation will be upgraded to a strategic partnership in the time to come.
At a reception for visiting French Minister of External Commerce Nicole Bricq in Hanoi on April 9, Ninh stressed that Vietnam and France should enhance their information exchange mechanism, increase visits by businesses and promote two-way trade and investment.
The two countries should also step up the implementation of some key joint projects, including the building of urban railway No. 3 in Hanoi and the provision of equipment to the Can Tho General Hospital, he said.
He added that Vietnam is accelerating the completion of procedures for negotiations with the European Union on a free trade area between the two sides.
The Deputy PM voiced pleasure at the time-honoured relations between Vietnam and France over the last four decades, especially in 2013 when the two countries mark the 40 th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
He highly valued strong ties between the two countries in various fields, including the exchange of delegations and cooperation in culture, art, science and technology.
In the economic field, France is one of the countries in Europe to lead trade, investment and development cooperation in Vietnam . It is also the oldest and largest European donor of official development assistance (ODA) to the country.
In 2012, Vietnam generated 2.16 billion USD from exports to France , while its import turnover reached 1.59 billion USD.
For her part, Bricq expressed her wish that the Vietnamese Government will support and create conditions for French businesses operating in the country.
In the coming time, France and Vietnam should foster their friendship and multifaceted ties, contributing to the development of the two countries.
Vietnam News Agency
