HCM City (VNA) – On the solid foundation of strong Vietnam – France relations, Ho Chi Minh City takes pride in being one of the most dynamic localities in promoting cooperation with France, said Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee.
In his speech at a ceremony marking France’s Bastille Day held by the French Consulate General on July 14, Ha noted that July 14 has become a symbol of Vietnam – France friendship and a meaningful occasion for their peoples to celebrate the enduring values, remarkable achievements, and the long-standing connections between two cultures in Europe and Asia.
Entering a new phase of development, HCM City hopes to continue receiving support from the French Government and business community in key areas such as digital transformation, education and training, smart infrastructure development, sustainable urban growth, and cultural heritage preservation,
The city is committed to creating the most favourable conditions in terms of policy, regulatory framework, and investment environment to ensure that cooperation initiatives with France are implemented in a substantive, effective, and sustainable manner, guided by the principle of harmonised interests and shared risks.
The official expressed his belief that built on the shared history, cultural ties, strong political trust, and effective economic linkages, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and France in general, and cooperation between HCM City and French localities in particular, will continue to thrive for the benefit of both peoples, as well as for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.
Addressing the ceremony, French Consul General in HCM City Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser highlighted the historical significance of France’s Bastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. She noted that in Vietnam, the celebration is held in a festive spirit, especially after a dynamic year in bilateral relations.
In 2024, bilateral relations reached a new height with the official visit of Party General Secretary To Lam to France in October. The year 2025 continues to open up many prospects for cooperation when President Emmanuel Macron paid a State visit to Vietnam, paving the way for the signing of strategic agreements in areas such as defence, aviation, railway, health and energy. Just weeks ago, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also visited France to attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference, further enhancing bilateral dialogue.
Pavillon-Grosser further noted that on the basis of the good relations, a wide range of cooperation activities have taken place in HCM City across various fields, including economy, trade, innovation, technology, and AI. Education, scientific research, and culture continue to be priorities of cooperation between the two sides.
In recent times, the French Institute in Vietnam has coordinated various initiatives, including the organisation of the first international film festival in HCM City, support for the establishment of the Vietnam Association of Visual Effects and Animation (VAVA), assistance for Vietnam’s first delegation to attend the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France, and a 3D mapping light show on the facade of the municipal People’s Committee headquarters to celebrate the National Reunification Day (April 30). These initiatives have laid a strong foundation for strengthening and sustaining Vietnam – France cooperation in the years to come./.
