At a joint conference with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on November 2, the French guest announced that Vietnamese and French businesses have signed a total of 18 contracts and agreements worth US$10 billion.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. Source: VGP.
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Vietnam and France also agreed on cooperation in the fields of developing e-government, healthcare, climate change, environmental protection, aerospace, urban planning and energy, added Edouard Philippe.
The French PM stated his visit is aimed at reaffirming the two countries’ strategic association as Vietnam is holding an important role in the Asia - Pacific region.
According to him, French businesses have been positive on Vietnam’s economic prospect, for which he would discuss with leaders of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City about infrastructure and high-technology developments.
On his part, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc reaffirmed France is Vietnam’s strategic partner. Additionally, both sides are looking forward to the signing of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and showing strong commitments to free trade.
Both leaders stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability and accelerating cooperation at both regional and international levels, reaffirming their commitment to ensure freedom of air and sea navigation and peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Philippe's visit is the second high-ranking one by leaders of the two nations this year, following that of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong in March. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Vietnam next year.
