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| French Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: hcmcpv.org.vn) |
On July 14, the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City celebrated the 233th anniversary of the French Republic's National Day (July 14, 1789 - July 14, 2022).
According to Ms Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser, during the COVID-19 pandemic, France and Vietnam still had constant exchanges. In particular, France is very proud to have been able to maintain the reception of Vietnamese students in France, even in the context of unfavorable health conditions and closed borders.
She added that the pandemic is also an opportunity to demonstrate the spirit of mutual affection between the two countries, as shown by Vietnam's donation of masks to support France in the fight against COVID-19 in 2020, or 3.5 million doses of vaccines sponsored by France for Vietnam through the COVAX Facility. “The reopening of the border has created favorable conditions for the two countries to continue exchanges and cooperation in all fields, not only in economy, but also in science, culture and art,” she said.
The relationship between the two countries is also based on a large, dynamic and enthusiastic French community in Ho Chi Minh City, with 6,000 French citizens registered in the Consulate General's protection book, thereby contributing positively to the economic development of Vietnam.
“The year 2023 will be a special year for both countries when they celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, as well as the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France,” she added. “I hope that the two sides will cooperate to organize many meaningful activities for these activities.”
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| Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan delivers a congratulatory speech at the event. (Photo: hcmcpv.org.vn) |
Speaking at the celebration, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan expressed his pleasure that Vietnam-France relations continue to develop well in many fields, despite being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. France has always been one of the leading important partners of Vietnam in Europe. The Vietnam - European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) taking effect has been a solid basis for Vietnam and France to strongly promote economic cooperation activities; opening up many new business opportunities for the business communities of the two countries and two regions. Cooperation between localities continues to affirm its important position in the overall relationship between Vietnam and France.
As one of the leading localities nationwide in consolidating and strengthening relations with France, in the first 6 months of 2022, France is one of the top 20 investors in Ho Chi Minh City with 328 projects and a total capital of nearly USD300 million. Regarding trade, the import-export turnover between Ho Chi Minh City and France in 2021 reached more than USD800 million, up 11% over the same period in 2020. The relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and French localities is maintained in a positive direction, with outstanding point being the relationship between Ho Chi Minh City - Lyon in many artistic lighting works.
He affirmed that Ho Chi Minh City will work closely with the French Embassy and Consulate General to effectively implement programs and projects of bilateral cooperation, especially activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership in 2023./.