Paris (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to France DinhToan Thang has paid a working visit to Nantes, a western city of the Europeancountry, as part of efforts to promote cooperation with French localities.

Receiving the ambassador, Deputy Mayor of Nantes AymericSeassau spoke highly of Vietnam’s strong economic development and affirmed hiscity’s wish to seek opportunities for economic partnerships and form twinrelations with Vietnamese localities.

He also highlighted the dynamism of the Vietnamese communityin the Loire-Atlantique region and the Vietnam - Loire-Atlantique Friendship Association,who have held a number of cultural, sports, and tourism activities to helplocals learn more about Vietnam, which he described as an increasingly modernand future-oriented country with a vigorous economy.

On this occasion, the official gave Thang the originalversions of two local newspapers that were issued in November 1968 and featured articles showing support for Vietnam in the fight against the USimperialists.

At a working session with member enterprises of the Chamberof Commerce and Industry of the Loire-St Nazaire region, Ambassador Thang introduced Vietnam’s economic development, demand and wish to developcooperation with French enterprises, including those in Loire-St Nazaire.

Companies from local major sectors such as shipbuilding,health care infrastructure building, mechanics, agriculture, and food industryexpressed their intention to learn more about the business and investmentclimate, potential, and chances in the Southeast Asian country.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Ambassador Thang said theFrench partners and enterprises voiced their interest in enhancing economicties with Vietnam to meet the two countries’ demand.

He perceived that achievements in bilateral relations overthe last 50 years provide an important basis for fostering economic ties,adding both countries hold rich potential and complementary advantages.

Local leaders also hope to develop the two countries’ tiesmore strongly, including the Nantes administration and people’s cooperation withthe Vietnamese partners and people, the diplomat noted.

During the trip,  the diplomat also met with members ofthe Vietnam - Loire-Atlantique Friendship Association (AVLA) and visited aphoto exhibition on Vietnamese women.

He mentioned the successful 12th conference on decentralisedcooperation between French and Vietnamese localities last April, calling on theadministration and enterprises of Nantes and the AVLA to increase initiativesand projects on cooperation with Vietnam./.