A forum of French-speaking countries in the Asia-Pacific region concluded in Hanoi on April 4, after two days working on an economic strategy for the Francophone community.

More than 150 delegates at the two-day event submitted proposals for the building of the strategy, ensuring that it suits the specific situation of each country and benefits all parties.

They highlighted the specific characteristics of Francophone countries in different regions of the world, and considered the needs and expectations of each region regarding the Francophone bloc’s economic cooperation strategy.

Participants also shared experiences on the completion of Millennium Development Goals and the implementation of effective partnership models, as well as the increasing role of women and the youth in economic development.

In his opening speech, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc lauded the determination of the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) as well as member countries in forming the strategy.

He expressed his belief that after it is approved at the 15 th Francophone Summit in October in Senegal, the strategy will create a momentum for economic cooperation, solidarity and prosperity within the Francophone community.

Anissa Barrak, OIF Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, spoke highly of the role that Asia-Pacific members of the organisation play in the development of the French-speaking community.

She also pointed out challenges and key areas that they should focus on in order to further foster their affiliation.

Within the forum’s framework, Vietnamese and foreign businesses also met and explored the possibility of setting up partnerships.-VNA

The delegates visited the Hanoi Trade Corporation headquarters where they were introduced the cooperation model between the firm and Francophone partners.

Earlier on April 2, OIF and Vietnam ’s Foreign Ministry held a joint meeting between the representatives of networks of national agencies in charge of Francophone affairs in the Asia-Pacific, Middle Africa, Western Africa, Middle Europe and Eastern Europe .

They discussed the drafting of important documents for the community including a framework strategy on medium term cooperation for the 2015-2022 period.

They also sought ways to enhance coordination among members of each network, between networks of different regions and between the networks and the OIF, with a view of enhancing such networks’ role in the collaboration activities in the Francophone community as a whole.