French businesses that are currently operating in Ho Chi Minh Cityare satisfied with the investment environment in the locality, said asenior French official.

Fleur Pellerin, Secretary of State forForeign Trade, Tourism Promotion and French Nationals Abroad of theFrench Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, hailedthe city’s dynamic development during a July 21 reception given by LeHoang Quan, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee.

Shesaid she will ask the French Development Agency (AFD) to closely workwith the city to draw up cooperation programmes, especially between thetwo business communities.

She welcomed effectivecooperation between Lyon city of the Rhône-Alpes region and HCM City,noting both localities have many things in common that support theirfuture ties.

Briefing the guest on the city’s keyinfrastructure projects, Quan expressed his hope that the Frenchgovernment and businesses will assist the city in providing financialand technical assistance for these projects.

He said HCM Cityand France have great potential for increasing cooperation in the areasof French strength such as transport infrastructure, education, healthcare, urban management, culture and arts.
The city will doits utmost to create favourable conditions for the two sides’ businessesto promote investment cooperation for mutual benefit, he affirmed.

Pellerin is leading a delegation of French companies to HCM City to explore the local investment environment.-VNA