The Vietnamese Days in France event will be oganised by Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) during October 1-4. On this occasion, Vietnam Business Forum reporter has an interview with the Ambassador of France to Vietnam HERVE BOLOT about the relationship between the two countries.
Vietnam and France have 30 years of establishing diplomatic relationship. What do you comment on the obtained achievements of the relationship between the two countries?
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the partnership has developed in many fields. In the first place, relations have continuously reinforced in the political field and we now have a dense political dialogue, enlivened by frequent high level visits (in 1993, President Mitterrand was the first western Head of State to pay a visit to Vietnam; he was followed, in 1997 and 2004, by President Chirac; the Secretary General of the Communist Party of Vietnam paid a visit to France in 2005; and Ministers frequently travel between the two countries). One of the latest, at the ministerial level, was the visit by the French Minister for Cooperation, Development and Francophony, in 2006. On this occasion, the two countries signed the “Partnership Framework Document”, which identifies French cooperation activities in Vietnam for the next five years, in line with Vietnam’s national priorities. The two Parliaments, as well as local and non-governmental organizations maintain sustained and successful relationships as well. In the economic field, thanks to its long presence in Vietnam, France has rapidly become one of the main partners of Vietnam. Companies of the two sides have long established presence and cooperation with Vietnamese counterparts. Today, France is one of the leading investors in Vietnam and the second bilateral partner in the field of Official Development Aid.
Of cooperation fields, which brings the highest result? Is there any trade breakthrough since the Vietnam’s access to WTO?
Our bilateral trade has constantly increased during the past few years, due to the strong dynamism of Vietnamese exports. France has rapidly become one of Vietnam’s main customers for key export products such as shoes, garments or seafood products. On the other hand, i am very pleased to see a strong progression of our exports during the first 5 months of this year (increased 33 per cent), contributing to a more harmonious trade balance, which is still very favourable to Vietnam (increased 838 Million euros in 2006).
When it comes to the positive effects of Vietnam's accession to WTO, I believe they will be noticeable only after Vietnam fully complies with its commitments. Anyhow, France as well as all European Union Member-States have long granted the benefit of the "Generalized System of Preferences" (GSP) to Vietnam, thus permitting Vietnamese products to enter the European market with very low custom duties. On the other hand, Vietnam has committed to open its services market more, and i do see some opportunities for French companies in the fields of Distribution rights, banking sector or insurance.
France is now regarded as one of the leading partners of Vietnam, could you please tell something about this?
As French Ambassador to Vietnam, I am very proud of this. This is the result of a common work that associates not only our governments, but our companies as well. And i am committed to further develop this special relationship. I can announce two major events that will foster our ties in the next months. The first one, "Forum Asean", will be held on November 22nd - 23rd. Top managers of French Companies will gather in Hanoi, coming from France but also from different countries of ASEAN. All of them are interested in the developments taking place in South East Asia. A special "Business to Business" meeting between 50 French SME's and Vietnamese companies will be held on this occasion. The second one, the "French Week", will be held in Ho Chi Minh City from April, 6th until April, 12th 2008. One of the main events will be the exhibition of French products in the Phu To Arena, but many other events such as a culinary gala diner and sports or musical events will also take place.
The Vietnamese Days in France event will be oganised by VCCI during October 1-4. What influence will the successfully organised event have on the multi-faced development of bilateral relations?
Even if France and Vietnam have a long common history, we can and we must improve our ties. The Vietnamese Days in France will focus attention on the Vietnamese economy and culture. As you may know, the outstanding results of the Chinese economy are hiding, worldwide, the excellent performance achieved by other Asian Nations, in particular Vietnam. I am personally very happy that the Vietnamese Days will contribute to a more accurate view of Vietnam in France, thus fostering our relations.
Giang Tu
Vietnamese
