A panel discussion on increasing cooperation between Vietnamese and French localities in support projects, volunteer mobilisation, and post-pandemic medical and economic recovery took place in Hanoi on April 14 as part of the ongoing 12th Vietnam-France decentralised cooperation conference.
Anne de Soucy, Director of Partnerships at the French Development Agency ADF, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – A panel discussion on increasingcooperation between Vietnamese and French localities in support projects,volunteer mobilisation, and post-pandemic medical and economic recovery took place in Hanoi on April 14 as part of the ongoing 12th Vietnam-Francedecentralised cooperation conference.
Morgane Millon from the French Ministry for Europe andForeign Affairs informed participants on the ministry’s two main tools to support cooperationprojects between localities – a funding raising activity and a programme thatcertifies local strengths.
The ministry can grant Vietnamese localities total fundingof 50% of a project’s cost, with accepted projects being small andhuman-related in training, community awareness raising, citizenship, andinternational cooperation, she said, adding that many localities of Vietnamhave obtained this aid.
Anne de Soucy, Director of Partnerships at the FrenchDevelopment Agency ADF, said the agency is sponsoring three projects in Hanoiand one in Binh Dinh.
In addition to financial support, AFD also assists inrecruiting leading industry experts for Vietnam, she noted, pledgingher best support for cooperation programmes with Vietnam.
Gildas Tresguler, General Secretary of the France-Vietnam Medical Federation, highlighted the countries’ collaboration in the field of medicine despiteCOVID-19 and hoped the sides will engage in stronger cooperation in the time tocome.
Vice Chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee Nguyen VanHong said the Mekong Delta city has cooperated with the French city of Nice in culture,tourism, education and health; and with La Seyne-sur-Mer in industry,aquaculture, tourism, health, and education.
According to Hong, in 2022, Can Tho exports 18.98 millionUSD worth of goods to France. It houses two French-funded ODA projects togethervalued at 55.83 million EUR.
Cooperation between Vietnamese and French communities dateback to the 1990s. The conference has been held every two or three years since1996, with Vietnamese and French localities taking turns to host the event. Itis a chance for both sides to discuss difficulties, evaluate results, and deliver feasible solutions to foster partnerships, thus strengthening the diplomatic ties between the twocountries./.
Vietnam and France have witnessed win-win cooperation in vocational training, and partnerships among localities of the two nations in the field are being seen as a new direction in decentralised cooperation between the two countries.
Cooperation between Vietnam and France as well as between localities of the two countries were spotlighted at a photo exhibition which opened at Melia Hotel in Hanoi on April 14.
France is the only country with which Vietnam shares a mechanism of periodic and rotating conferences on localities’ cooperation, affirmed Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung at the opening of the 12th Vietnam-France decentralised cooperation conference in the capital city on April 14.
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.
Anne de Soucy, Director of Partnerships at the French Development Agency ADF, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA) 
