French firms seek policy clarity from Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress

THE HANOI TIMES — The French business community is closely watching the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam with strong expectations, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet said on January 19.

Vietnam’s most important political event will shape the country’s future development and allow France to better calibrate cooperation with realistic timelines and concrete projects, the ambassador told The Hanoi Times.

“What French companies seek above all is clarity and predictability. Businesses need a clear framework for procedures, taxation, licensing and financing,” he said.

The ambassador cited a EuroCham survey showing that more than 70% of European companies in Vietnam remain confident about the country’s economic outlook, with most planning to maintain or expand investment.

He added that France and other European governments are working with Vietnam to ensure administrative reforms deliver shorter processing times, greater transparency and stronger implementation capacity.

“These factors have a direct impact on investment and employment,” he noted.

Vietnam-France cooperation in a new phase

Since the launch of Doi moi (Renewal) process in 1986, Vietnam has undergone deep economic transformation, sharply reduced poverty, modernized infrastructure and diversified its international partnerships, Ambassador Brochet said.

France supported Vietnam from the early stages of reform, he noted, recalling Prime Minister Pham Van Dong’s visit to France and the signing of early cooperation agreements as a foundational milestone.

According to the ambassador, France has backed Vietnam’s development since national reunification, initially through cultural, scientific and technical cooperation.

Today, Vietnam stands as a dynamic economy integrated into global value chains and a key partner within ASEAN. France continues to support this trajectory through economic, academic, scientific and institutional cooperation.

Vietnam has also set clear development goals for 2030 and 2045, linking growth with the green transition and the digital economy, while playing a more active role in promoting international peace and stability.

Recent milestones include Vietnam hosting the opening for signature of a UN convention on cybercrime, chairing a review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and engaging in major multilateral frameworks.

According to Brochet, France strongly supports Vietnam’s expanding international role and deeper global integration.

On climate action, France backs Vietnam’s commitments under the Just Energy Transition Partnership. In transport and infrastructure, France seeks cooperation on large-scale projects such as railways, urban connectivity and civil aviation.

The ambassador highlighted a major milestone in bilateral ties: the upgrade of Vietnam–France relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.

“This framework allows both sides to pursue more ambitious cooperation goals in priority areas,” he said.

Under the partnership, France will step up support for Vietnam’s energy transition and infrastructure development. In transport, agreements and memoranda signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Vietnam last year laid the groundwork for stronger cooperation in railways, aviation and transport infrastructure.

In defense, a letter of intent between the two defense ministries reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in support of peace, regional stability and Vietnam’s strategic autonomy, Brochet added.

Three keywords for the year ahead

Looking ahead to 2026, the ambassador said France aims to deepen cooperation with Vietnam in priority sectors such as energy, infrastructure, transport, emissions reduction, healthcare, education and the digital economy, based on a long-term partnership approach.

Asked to sum up Vietnam’s development path in three words, he chose “Ambition,” “Structure,” and “Openness,” pointing to strong growth targets, administrative reform to strengthen state effectiveness and uphold international commitments and continued efforts to diversify partnerships and engage globally.

Ambassador Brochet wished Vietnam and its people success at the 14th National Party Congress and expressed confidence in the country’s future as the Lunar New Year approaches.

“France stands ready to work with Vietnam to turn shared priorities into concrete achievements, in a spirit of trust, respect and long-term partnership,” he said.