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Sep 15, 2016 / 14:51

10th cooperation conference fosters Vietnam-France economic links

The 10th cooperation conference between Vietnamese and French localities was held in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho from September 14-16.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam attended the conference.
Themed “Looking towards effective and sustainable economic partners,” the conference is organised by the Cités Unies France in conjunction with the Can Tho People’s Committee.
Nearly 700 delegates from localities, organisations and enterprises of Vietnam and France have registered to attend the conference.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam speaks at the conference.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam speaks at the conference.
The 10th conference includes five workshops on cooperation in economy-tourism, education-health, the environment, climate change, agriculture-fishery, urban development and culture-heritage.
Other events are a Vietnam-France international meeting and Vietnam-France cultural days along with eco-tours of the Vietnamese city.
Addressing the event, Deputy PM Dam affirmed that France is Vietnam’s most important strategic partner.
The Deputy PM stressed that collaboration between the localities of Vietnam and France has been deepened, bringing significant outcomes to both sides.
To implement effectively such cooperation programmes, it is necessary to have the involvement of all-level authorities, organisations and especially businesses, Dam said, noting that Vietnam always welcomes and create the most favourable conditions for the operation of French businesses in the country.
Deputy PM Dam also called on France to help Vietnamese localities make the best use of their advantages and build specific cooperation programmes.
Speaking at the conference, Martine Pinville, French Minister of State for Commerce, Small-Scale Industry, Consumer Affairs and Social and Solidarity Economy, highlighted potential for cooperation between the two countries and their localities.
The bilateral cooperation is implemented in all regions and realms like culture, health care, training, rural and urban development, hygiene, and French language, Pinville said.
Over 240 joint projects are underway with the participation of 19 French localities and 17 Vietnamese provinces, according to the  French Minister.
The conference between Vietnamese and French localities dates back to 1989, when Hanoi and the region of Ile-de-France set up a partnership. This cooperation form has developed and contributed to the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
The conference is held biennially or triennially on a rotational basis to review the cooperation effectiveness and set up collaboration directions for following years.
The 9th conference was organised in France's Brest city in June 2013, with the participation of 16 Vietnamese cities and provinces.