Vietnam and France will facilitate economic and trade ties on the basis of open dialogue and trust, with the potential for mutual benefit described as huge by government ministers.

Consensus was reached at talks between Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh and French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius in Paris on April 7, as part of the former’s visit to the capital to attend the second Vietnam – France high-level economic dialogue.

Both ministers mentioned fields of French strength, such as transport infrastructure, urban development, nuclear energy, aviation technology, health care and farm produce which Vietnam is in need for national development.

At a meeting with over 100 top French firms the same day, Minister Vinh called on them to launch long-term operations in Vietnam. He hailed the host’s progress in science-technology and corporate governance, which he said are areas requiring more investment in Vietnam.

Vinh also briefed them of Vietnam’s economic restructuring and business climate. With the ASEAN Economic Community coming by 2015, Vietnam will serve as a key gateway to a market of nearly 600 million people. The country is also emerging as a robust economy in the Asia-Pacific that accounts for two thirds of world population, he added.

French Business Confederation Vice President and General Director of International Development Thierry Courtaigne said Vietnam’s dynamic growth and strong reforms are conducive to French investment.

Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the French Embassy in Vietnam Michel Drobinak also spoke highly of two-way cooperation prospect thanks to Vietnam’s stable growth and a force of young and skilled workers.

Vinh also answered French investors’ questions, giving them a better understanding of Vietnamese market.-VNA