The Vietnam-France Friendship Association (VFFA) of Ho Chi Minh City has made remarkable contributions to boosting two-way relations since its establishment 20 years ago.

At a ceremony held in the city on Jan. 21, French Consul General to HCM City Gerard Boiniveau said that relations between the two countries has deep roots and looks forward to a sustainable future.

He highlighted cooperation in economy, culture and science, adding that in France there are over 6,000 Vietnamese students, the most important community of overseas students.

He also announced that France is likely to establish an international university in Vietnam , projected to be the largest one of its kind in the country.

President of the Ho Chi Minh City chapter of the VFFA, Duong Quang Trung, said that over the past two decades, the association has focused its activities on strengthening cooperation in education, language-learning and cultural exchange, as well as humanitarian activities.

The association raised over 2 million USD to build 18 kindergartens, 32 safe water systems and carried out 43 credit projects for the poor and a dozen other projects on education, vocational training and health care.

In 2009, it raised 3.2 billion VND for 21 projects benefiting isolated areas.

Many peace activists in France, who supported Vietnam during its past struggles for independence, now supported Vietnam’s national development through the association./.