The Vietnamese Ambassador to France suggested that the two sides promote bilateral trade by increasing the export of key Vietnamese products such as agricultural products, seafood, and textiles.
Within the framework of the Vietnam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy in France led by Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang visited and worked in Strasbourg, the capital of the Grand Est region.
This is the first working trip of 2025 to promote local cooperation between the two countries.
On February 5-6, the delegation worked with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Alsace-Eurométropole region, the Grand Est Regional Council and the Eurométropole Strasbourg agency.
In an interview with Mr. Jean-Luc Heimburger, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Alsace Eurométropole, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang introduced the economic development situation of Vietnam, investment and trade cooperation with France and other countries in the world.
The Ambassador suggested that the two sides promote bilateral trade by increasing the export of Vietnam's key products such as agricultural products, seafood, textiles and footwear to the Alsace market, while encouraging the import of high-tech products, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods from this region to Vietnam; calling for local investors to come to Vietnam, especially in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agriculture, renewable energy, innovation, digital transformation, semiconductors, etc.
The Ambassador also asked CCI Alsace Eurométropole to share its experience in supporting and developing small and medium-sized enterprises, including training programs, management consulting and support for accessing international markets; support the organization of economic forums, trade fairs and business connection sessions between the two sides, creating conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to access the French market and vice versa.
Working with Mr. Christian Debève, Councilor of Grand Est region, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang expressed his desire to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Grand Est region; develop cooperation in education and training through exchange programs of students, lecturers and researchers between educational institutions of Vietnam and Grand Est region, contributing to improving the quality of human resources and promoting mutual understanding between the two sides.
Regarding the field of technology and innovation, the two sides also discussed cooperation opportunities in research and development (R&D), especially in sectors such as biotechnology, healthcare and renewable energy; and considered the establishment of joint research projects and innovation centers to promote sustainable development.
Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang proposed organizing cultural exchange and tourism promotion activities to enhance connection and understanding between people of the two regions.
According to the Ambassador, organizing cultural events, art exhibitions and culinary weeks will help promote the image of both sides and attract tourists. The Ambassador also emphasized the desire to develop decentralized cooperation, encourage the establishment of sister relationships between localities of Vietnam and the Grand Est region, creating opportunities to exchange experiences in urban management, economic development and environmental protection.
At Eurométropole Strasbourg, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang worked with Ms. Anne-Marie Jean, Vice President in charge of training, economics, entrepreneurship, ecological transition and sustainable tourism. The two sides discussed cooperation opportunities in many strategic areas, agreed to work together to support local businesses in implementing economic cooperation initiatives, opening up investment opportunities and trade exchanges between Vietnamese and Strasbourg businesses.
Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang proposed developing cooperation projects on smart transport, green transport and sustainable infrastructure, especially in the context that Vietnam is focusing on developing smart cities and urban transport, and Strasbourg city has a lot of experience in building sustainable transport solutions.
Speaking to a VNA reporter in France, Mr. Jean-Luc Heimburger, President of CCI Alsace Eurométropole, said that the working session with the delegation of the Vietnamese Embassy in France contributed to enhancing mutual understanding. Impressed by the strong development of Vietnam in recent times, he affirmed that there is much potential for cooperation between the Alsace, Grand Est regions and Vietnam.
He pointed out that "what needs to be done now is to understand the needs of Vietnamese businesses, and at the same time see how Alsatian businesses can connect and cooperate, because trade is always a two-way exchange."
To do that, he said, the two sides need to organize meetings between Vietnamese and Alsatian businessmen to discuss and find ways to promote business cooperation. The role of a Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to facilitate these meetings and support businesses to achieve real results.
Welcoming the presence of the delegation in the Grand Est region, Mr. Christian Debève, Regional Councilor in charge of international relations, said that this is an opportunity to introduce the strengths and needs of each side.
He said that Grand Est is the second most attractive investment region in France and the ninth most attractive in Europe. Therefore, Vietnamese businesses wishing to invest or cooperate with French businesses will find many advantages here, especially in terms of transportation system, airport, as well as rich cuisine and world-famous wines.
With a spirit of welcoming Vietnamese businesses wishing to expand their operations in France, especially in the East of the country, he pointed out the potential for cooperation with Vietnam in agriculture, tourism and training.
Educational cooperation is also a notable area. Currently, the Grand Est region has welcomed more than 8,000 Vietnamese students studying at various universities. The government hopes that student exchange programs will continue to develop in the future.
In charge of the circular economy and ecological transition, Ms. Anne-Marie Jean, Vice President of Eurométropole Strasbourg, expressed her support for Vietnam's determination to move towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
According to her, the two sides can absolutely strengthen cooperation and develop joint initiatives in this field, because this is a goal that is consistent with the orientations of France, especially the city of Strasbourg, which is always strongly committed to environmental issues, protecting nature, improving the quality of life of its people, while promoting a sustainable economy and ensuring human rights.
In the field of innovation, she expressed her wish to meet Vietnamese businesses at the Vivatech exhibition to be held in Paris in June 2025, saying that this will be an important event where businesses from both sides can meet and exchange about innovation and digital technology.
During his visit to the Grand Est region, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang and his delegation visited BioValley Alsace, a regional hub for innovation and competitiveness. With the aim of promoting innovation and developing new products and services, BioValley Alsace is a network of businesses, research institutes and academic centers specializing in life sciences, especially biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and nutrition.
In addition to supporting businesses by providing financial and R&D solutions, the center also creates opportunities for collaboration between businesses, universities and life science research centers. It is an important hub in the Alsace innovation ecosystem, actively contributing to regional competitiveness and promoting scientific and industrial research.
Grand Est is a large administrative region of France, established on January 1, 2016 on the basis of the merger of three former administrative regions: Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine. Covering an area of over 57,400 km2, this region has 5.55 million inhabitants, most concentrated in the capital Strasbourg and other major cities such as Reims, Mulhouse, Nancy and Metz.
Not only famous for its culture and long history, this land is also known for tourism and cuisine, and is also a pioneer in industrial development, technology and innovation. Geographically located bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland, the Grand Est region is considered a gateway to major international markets, helping to connect with the global market./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/viet-nam-phap-tang-cuong-quan-he-thong-qua-hop-tac-dia-phuong-post1011083.vnp
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