Ho Chi Minh City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City is keen to expand cooperation with French partners in areas where both sides share strengths and common interests, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Bui Minh Thanh said at a ceremony organised by the French Consulate General in the city on July 14 to celebrate France's National Day (July 14).
Thanh said the elevation of Vietnam–France relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership ushered in a new phase of development in the bilateral ties, reflecting deepening political trust and a shared commitment to building a peaceful, cooperative and sustainable future.
Against this backdrop, he said, Ho Chi Minh City has become one of Vietnam's most active and effective localities in fostering cooperation with French partners. France's hallmarks can be seen in many aspects of the city's development, from architecture, education and culture to trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
As the city enters a new stage of development, Thanh said it believes that combining French expertise and technology with Ho Chi Minh City's growth potential will generate new opportunities and mutual benefits. Alongside economic cooperation, the city continues to regard cultural and educational exchanges, as well as people-to-people ties, as the enduring foundation of Vietnam–France relations.
He also expressed his hope of continuing to strengthen bridges of friendship so that more Vietnamese gain a deeper understanding of France, while more French citizens come to see Ho Chi Minh City as a trusted friend, partner and destination.
Speaking at the ceremony, French Consul General Etienne Ranaivoson noted that the bilateral relations were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in October 2024 and further strengthened in early 2026 following the upgrading of relations between Vietnam and the European Union to the same level.
He highlighted positive development steps in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, transport, energy, aviation and healthcare.
Ranaivoson said the two countries also have considerable potential to expand cooperation in emerging priority areas for both Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City, where France has recognised expertise, including finance, technology and critical minerals.
He added that bilateral cooperation has also flourished in the fields of arts, cinema, digital creativity, education and training, as well as student exchanges. These achievements, he said, demonstrate the value and growing substance of the partnership.
Reaffirming that France and Europe are reliable, long-term partners that respect Vietnam's sovereignty, Ranaivoson said the current global uncertainty has underscored the importance of trust, credibility and long-term commitment in international relations.
He stressed that these are values cherished by France and reflected in its relationship with Vietnam, adding that the French Consulate General remains committed to strengthening those values and deepening the friendship between the two countries./.
Vietnam, France seek to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Both sides agreed to continue promoting regular exchanges and practical cooperation within their respective areas of responsibility, contributing to closer ties between the two legislatures and further strengthening the Vietnam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
