Christophe Mirmand, the high representative of the French State in PACA (second, left) received Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang (second, right) on November 25 in Marseille. (Photo: VNA)At his meetings with Christophe Mirmand, the high representative of the French State in PACA, and Michele Rubriola, permanent deputy mayor of Marseille, Thang affirmed that the region and city have strengths, especially in areas that Vietnam needs such as seaport, logistics, renewable energy, tourism, high-tech development, and agro-food processing, and training.
Meanwhile, the French officials expressed their willingness to cooperate with Vietnam in sectors that both boast potential for development.
Both sides had a desire to strengthen bilateral connectivity and cooperation between localities under different models and scales. During the meetings, the local authorities said they highly acknowledged the contributions, good integration, and certain successes of the Vietnamese community in Marseille (about 20,000 people) and PACA (40,000 people).
During his trip, the Vietnamese diplomat visited a number of local major firms, including the Marseille Fos seaport, container shipping group CMA-CGM, helicopter manufacturer Airbus Helicopters, as well as the Marseille-Aix-Provence chamber of commerce and industry.
Airbus Helicopters said that it has provided many types of helicopters to Vietnam and is ready to help Vietnam develop a dedicated aircraft fleet. Meanwhile, CMA-CGM expressed its desire to expand phase two of Cai Mep port development project and to help Vietnam develop container transport.
During these meetings, the sides involved believed that it is necessary to take advantage of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to foster cooperation and support Vietnamese goods in penetrating the European market.
Thang also spent his time meeting representatives of Vietnamese expatriates in Marseille.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Thang said the trip to Marseille gained various outcomes, particularly the unveiling of a plaque commemorating President Ho Chi Minh in the city, as part of the activities marking 110 years since the late President boarded ship Amiral Latouche Tréville to France, beginning his journey for national salvation./.
VNA
