France ready to accompany Vietnam in energy transition: French President
Talking with Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha during a working breakfast in Hanoi on May 27, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed France’s support for Vietnam through a 500 million EUR concessional loan, specifically earmarked for projects under the JETP framework.
Hanoi (VNA) - France stays ready to support 🌃and accompany Vietnam in delivering on its key commitments in sustainable development, environmental protection, carbon emission reduction, and energy transition through cooperation mechanisms, including the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) framework, said French President Emmanuel Macron.
Talking with Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha during a working breakfast in Hanoi on May 27, Macron affirmed France’s support for Vietnam through a 500 million EUR concessional loan, specifically earmarked for projects under the JETP framework.
Deputy PM Ha underscored energy transition as a “matter of survival” and a crucial goal shared by both nations. With fossil fuel reserves dwindling, the shift toward newer, cleaner energy sources, such as renewables, hydrogen and nuclear energy presents ample opportunities for collaboration between policymakers, scientists, and businesses from both countries, he said.
Ha highlighted the longstanding tradition of bilateral energy cooperation, which has yielded tangible successes over the past years. The elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, he said, provides an important foundation for advancing cooperation in energy transition and carbon emissions reduction.
French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha (Photo: VNA)
According to him, Vietnam’s energy transition extends beyond the energy sector to encompass industry, transportation, and agriculture.
Both sides agreed that public-private partnerships are a vital bridge, enabling shared resources, risk mitigation, and the scaling up of sustainable energy solutions.
The discussions were enriched by valuable insights from Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh, alongside leaders of major energy corporations from both countries, including the Électricité de France (EDF), the Hydrogène de France (HDF), the French Development Agency (AFD), the Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and the Vietnam National Industry – Energy Group (Petrovietnam). These enterprises presented concrete proposals to materialise the cooperation frameworks agreed upon by Vietnamese and French leaders.
On the occasion, the French Embassy in Vietnam hosted a signing ceremony for a series of cooperation agreements between Vietnamese and French agencies and enterprises in the presence of French Minister for the Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Eric Lombard and Vietnamese Deputy Minister Thang. Notably among them were a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AFD and EVN for a concessional loan funding the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower project, and another between HDF Energy and Southern Power Corporation to develop decarbonised hydrogen-based electricity generation projects./.
Several new cooperation agreements were signed during the meeting, underscoring both sides’ determination to diversify cooperation areas, expand partnerships, and deepen cooperation mechanisms.
Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy proposed that the EU and France support the Ministry of Construction in implementing energy transition initiatives in transport, greenhouse gas mitigation, and climate change response, contributing to Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as pledged at COP26. He also highlighted the need for training and capacity-building support.
The two sides agreed to step up consultation and mutual support at international forums while increasing delegation exchanges at all levels to enhance information sharing in crime prevention.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
