Creating a new breakthrough direction for Vietnam-France economic cooperation.

On February 20th, the Vietnamese Ambassador to France, Trinh Duc Hai, held a meeting with Mr. Benoit Clocheret, Vice President of MEDEF International (France).

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai poses for a photo with Mr. Benoit Clocheret, Vice President of MEDEF International, Chairman of the Franco-Vietnamese Business Council, and Executive Chairman of Artelia Group. Photo: Ngoc Hiep/VNA correspondent in France.

According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Paris, on February 20, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai held a meeting with Mr. Benoit Clocheret, Vice President of MEDEF International - the department responsible for foreign economic relations and international cooperation promotion of the French Employers' Federation (MEDEF), and also President of the French-Vietnamese Business Council and Executive Chairman of Artelia Group, along with representatives of several large French corporations and businesses, to discuss directions for promoting bilateral economic cooperation in the coming period.

During the meeting, Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai highly appreciated the positive and effective role of MEDEF International over the years, especially the successful organization of the Vietnam-France Business Forum in June 2025 during the official visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh . According to the Ambassador, the results achieved have affirmed MEDEF's strategic bridging role in connecting the business communities of the two countries, creating an important foundation for further enhancing cooperation in the future.

On that basis, Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai emphasized that Vietnam wishes to attract high-quality investment capital from France into areas where France has global strengths, such as transportation infrastructure, smart cities, renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, logistics, healthcare, and high-tech agriculture . These are key pillars in Vietnam's sustainable development strategy and also highly complementary areas between the two economies.

Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai acknowledged and highly appreciated Artelia's outstanding contributions to Vietnam over the past 20 years, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects such as the metro lines in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. According to the Ambassador, the long-term and effective presence of French businesses like Artelia is vivid evidence of the potential for deep and sustainable cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Mr. Benoit Clocheret stated that Artelia currently has approximately 800 employees in Vietnam and considers Vietnam one of its key markets, not only economically but also strategically in terms of human resource development. The group's Vietnamese experts not only participate in implementing domestic projects but also support operations in Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, thereby affirming Vietnam's role as a "competency hub" in the regional network.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai (third from the right) poses for a photo with leaders of MEDEF International, including Benoit Clocheret (third from the left), Vice President of MEDEF International, Chairman of the French-Vietnamese Business Council, and Executive Chairman of Artelia Group. Photo: Ngoc Hiep/VNA correspondent in France.

Mr. Benoit Clocheret also expressed his pride that Artelia was selected to participate in supporting and managing the project during the initial phase of the high-speed rail project, as well as undertaking many consulting and supervision tasks at the new airport project in Hanoi. According to him, this is both an honor and a great responsibility for the group in accompanying the modernization of Vietnam's infrastructure.

Representatives from MEDEF International stated that the organization is actively promoting Vietnam as a "strategic target" for the French business community, given that many businesses tend to prioritize larger markets such as the US, China, or India. With a population of over 100 million, high growth rate, a high-quality workforce, and a strong commitment to reform, Vietnam is considered a market with great potential, deserving more attention in the international expansion strategies of French businesses.

Both sides agreed to continue coordinating the organization of the second Vietnam-France Business Forum in France, tentatively scheduled for mid-June, after the new Vietnamese government is finalized. MEDEF International proposed the participation of high-ranking leaders, possibly including the Vietnamese Minister of Finance, to increase its reach and attract broader participation from the business communities of both countries.

Potential areas of cooperation discussed at the meeting ranged from transportation (high-speed rail, metro, aviation), energy (renewable energy, nuclear power), high-tech industries, semiconductors, healthcare, aerospace to defense and marine industries. The MEDEF representative emphasized France's outstanding strengths in the nuclear power sector, with over 60 operating reactors and extensive experience in technology and safety management, which can make a positive contribution to Vietnam's energy development orientations.

In addition, the two sides also discussed energy connectivity projects in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, in which Vietnam holds a central position in connecting hydropower resources from Laos and Singapore's clean energy needs, opening up new avenues for cooperation in the context of the global energy transition.

A view of the working session between the Vietnamese Embassy in France and the leadership of MEDEF International. Photo: Ngoc Hiep/VNA correspondent in France.

MEDEF International frankly raised several issues of concern to French businesses, particularly administrative procedures and the stability and predictability of the legal framework. The MEDEF representative acknowledged Vietnam's recent reforms in streamlining the administrative apparatus, merging administrative units, and improving the investment environment, considering these positive signs that contribute to strengthening investor confidence.

Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai affirmed that the Vietnamese Government is resolutely promoting administrative procedure reforms, enhancing transparency, and ensuring a stable legal environment, creating favorable conditions for investors, including French businesses, to confidently implement long-term projects.

Regarding the Vietnam-European Union Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), the Ambassador requested MEDEF International to continue its role in advocating for and promoting France's early ratification, thereby sending a strong message about the trust and long-term commitment between the two sides. The MEDEF representative affirmed that they will continue to act as a bridge, while emphasizing the importance of attracting more Vietnamese businesses to invest in France, using successful cases as models to promote.

Affirming the spirit of open, substantive cooperation aimed at long-term effectiveness, Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai emphasized that the Vietnamese Embassy in France is always ready to accompany and support businesses of both countries in overcoming difficulties, thereby contributing to the development of Vietnam-France economic relations commensurate with the potential and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/tao-huong-dot-pha-moi-cho-hop-tac-kinh-te-vietphap-20260220205745092.htm