HCMCity (VNA) - Ho Chi Minh City’s authorities want to enhancecooperation with France in the fields of the country’s priority and strengthsuch as smart city development, urban management, finance-banking, logistics,trade and tourism, said Chairman ofthe municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong.

During a reception for a delegation of leadersfrom French enterprises led by Francois Corrbin from Michelin Group on November4, Phong said HCM City hopes to have more specific projects and investmentcooperation programmes of the French government and enterprises for local start-upcommunity, especially in technology.

He briefed the French guest on HCM City’s socio-economic development, andhighlighted the fruitful development of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership.

Mutual visits made by the two countries’ high-rankingofficials in 2018 have contributed to lifting the bilateral relations to ahigher level, he affirmed.

Phong also asserted the municipal authorities’ commitment to working with foreignenterprises and investors operating in the city.

He expressed his hope that the French side will promote the completion of necessaryprocedures for the official signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) between theEuropean Union (EU) and Vietnam (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam InvestmentProtection Agreement (IPA) in late 2018, and ratification of them in early 2019,thus realising great opportunities brought by the EVFTA, towards benefiting thetwo countries’ business communities.

For his part, Francois Corrbin affirmed theFrench government always respects the close relations with Vietnam, especiallyHCM City.

In recent year, the two sides have made great achievements in their cooperationin culture and education; however, their bonds in investment and trade are yetto match potential, he noted.

The guest said the French PM’s visit to Vietnam,with the participation of representatives from French government agencies andleading groups, shows France’s appreciation of its relations with the SoutheastAsian nation, especially in the fields of economy, trade, and developmentcooperation.

French businesses wish to explore investment and cooperation opportunities, andare willing to support and join HCM City’s development, particularly in hi-techapplication in maritime economic development, infrastructure development andwater treatment, he said.-VNA