VCCI wants Francophone organisation to foster economic ties

Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) wants member countries of the International Organisation of the Francophone (OIF) to increase economic cooperation with Vietnam, said to Hoang Quang Phong, VCCI Vice President.

During his recent working session with Adama Ouane, OIF Director, Phong lauded the organisation’s role in international and regional issues.

Vietnam has developed cooperative ties with Francophone nations in many fields, Phong affirmed, adding that together with language and cultural diversity, economic activities will enrich the relationship between Vietnam and Francophone countries.

The VCCI is willing to organise business delegations to attend trade and investment promotion events in the nations, Phong said.

For his part, Ouane said Vietnam is an important partner of the OIF in Asia – the Pacific. Besides collaboration in culture and language, economic cooperation will bring a new breath to the community, while creating jobs and more added-value.

The organisation helps youth-run start-ups and women-run businesses while providing assistance in terms of taxation, information, negotiation and trade promotion in numerous fields, including digital technology and banking, he said.

The OIF has worked with Vietnam in education and scientific research in technology, economics, trading, pharmaceuticals and law, among others.

It has also carried out small-scale projects on IT, law, energy, environment, poverty reduction, teachers training and built infrastructure facilities for schools in disadvantaged areas of Vietnam.

The Francophone community has 84 members and observers from five continents, with a combined population of about 900 million, including 220 million French-speaking people. The community accounts for 13 percent of the world’s GDP.-VNA