The dialogue is held annually by the two countries to review bilateral economic and trade cooperation, discuss involved issues and set a plan for future cooperation.
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Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for External Affairs Hoang Binh Quan (right) and Secretary of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne (second from the left) officially introduce the logo in celebration of 45 years of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations |
This year’s event is also seen as the opening of the program to mark the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership and 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
At the meeting, the two sides expressed delight at the 2017 two-way trade growth rate of 11.6%, worth US$ 4.6 billion. The two chairmen highlighted potential opportunities, to be brought about by the Europe-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, for the two countries to promote trade and economic cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged information about the projects involving Vietnamese and French businesses, including projects in Vietnam funded for by the French Government in the form of official development assistance (ODA). Among the French ODA projects, according to the French head delegate, Urban Train Route 3 in Hanoi can be seen as a symbol of the France-Vietnam cooperation.
He also vowed that the French side is always ready and willing to share experience with Vietnam in transportation, energy, environment, space, food and banking. Meanwhile, he urged Vietnam to provide favorable conditions for French agricultural products to enter the Vietnamese market.
In the afternoon, the French official had meetings with Deputy-Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung.
In the evening, the French official and Vietnamese Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Affairs Hoang Binh Quan co-chaired a ceremony to introduce the official logo of 45 years of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations at the French Embassy in Hanoi.
At the event, the two sides also announced major joint activities to observe the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations.
Tomorrow, the French Secretary of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs will go to Ho Chi Minh City and meet with local leaders before closing his visit to Vietnam.
Thu Nguyen