The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Vietnam reflects a shared aspiration to deepen a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and a joint commitment to sovereignty, sustainable development, and regional stability.

VietNamNet spoke with French Ambassador to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet, on the occasion of President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit.

 

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French Ambassador to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet. Photo: Vu The Son


An important milestone

In October 2024, France and Vietnam elevated their diplomatic relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In your view, what is the significance of this milestone in the historical and contemporary context of France-Vietnam relations, and what new opportunities does it open for future cooperation?

Ambassador Olivier Brochet: We deeply appreciate that Vietnam - especially General Secretary To Lam - proposed elevating France to the status of a comprehensive strategic partner since last October. This is not only a unique diplomatic recognition but, more importantly, a very significant milestone that we value highly and consider a solid foundation for future cooperation.

This marks a new step in our long shared history - one with many ups and downs - that has lasted for over a century and a half. Over the past 40 years, this history has been defined by major efforts from both sides to support Vietnam in its development path and in consolidating its sovereignty.

It began in the 1990s with France’s strong commitment to accompanying Vietnam’s Doi Moi (Renovation) reforms. France is proud to be among the first major Western countries to stand by Vietnam during that time. Since then, the relationship has steadily advanced, culminating in the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2013. This shows the maturity and growing intensity of our cooperation.

Our relationship is also based on a shared vision of what the international order should be to ensure peace, stability, development, and our joint ability to tackle global challenges, especially climate change. This partnership has become even more meaningful as Vietnam begins writing a new chapter in its history.

Over the past year, Vietnam has entered a new era of development with major aspirations. France fully supports and wishes to accompany Vietnam in realizing these goals. We are working and will continue to work toward these shared objectives.

France, Vietnam, and the EU: expanding trade and investment

How can France, Vietnam, and the EU deepen bilateral trade, especially in high-potential sectors? How can French investment support Vietnam’s green transition and high-tech development while promoting a fair, sustainable, and rules-based global trade system in today’s volatile environment?

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French Minister Sébastien Lecornu at the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu. Photo: French Embassy

First, regarding trade volume, the two-way trade in 2024 surpassed €8 billion. This strong growth is part of the broader development of economic relations between Vietnam and the EU, especially thanks to the effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

We are very pleased with this progress, which clearly benefits Vietnam - a country with a significant trade surplus with both the EU and France. Encouragingly, all EU member states have recorded an increase in trade with Vietnam, and France is no exception. We certainly want to continue fostering this positive trend.

What we expect, of course, is that the EVFTA be fully respected and implemented by both sides, in line with the spirit of its negotiations and signing. Any non-tariff barriers, if present, should be reasonably and sincerely addressed.

Given the current international trade challenges - felt by Vietnam, particularly in negotiations with the US - preserving and maximizing the EVFTA is even more crucial. It is a long-term strategic partnership based on mutual trust.

We hope that Vietnam-EU relations will always maintain this positive spirit of cooperation, even while other bilateral negotiations are taking place. We believe strongly in the significant potential for development, especially between France and Vietnam within the broader EVFTA framework.

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Ambassador Brochet visits Ialy Hydropower Plant in Gia Lai and Kon Tum, co-funded by AFD. Photo: French Embassy

I particularly think of the healthcare sector, where French exports to Vietnam are growing significantly, reflecting a shift in domestic demand. Similarly, agriculture and food are key sectors with great potential. In addition, as Vietnam rolls out major strategic infrastructure projects, French companies - among the best in the world - are well-positioned to contribute.

Trade growth in these new sectors will naturally be accompanied by partnerships, particularly in technology. This includes cooperation in biotechnology, healthcare, transport (such as railways), non-carbon energy, and potentially even nuclear power. Digital technologies, including e-services and e-government, are also a major focus for us.

To demonstrate the renewed momentum we aim to generate in bilateral economic and technological relations, we are preparing to launch the “France-Vietnam Year of Innovation” in the coming weeks.

This special year will begin with a major event: the French Tech Summit. It will bring together French and Vietnamese companies - especially startups - to explore and maximize the vast potential for innovation partnerships.

Delivering innovative solutions

Resolution 57 of the Politburo sets out a vision for Vietnam to become a knowledge-based, high-income economy, centered on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. How can France’s experience in research, startups, and higher education - such as USTH or MICA - best support Vietnam’s goals?

Examples of France’s education cooperation in Vietnam. Photo: French Embassy

Most major French universities, laboratories, and research institutions already have partnerships in Vietnam. Since taking office, I have welcomed the Presidents of CNRS, ANRS, and the Director of the Pasteur Institute. These visits aim to assess and strengthen existing collaborations.

Within the framework of our comprehensive strategic partnership, and with a spirit of mobilizing all resources, we will continue building on our current partnerships. We will focus especially on three pillars of France-Vietnam training that are hallmark examples of educational cooperation: USTH (Vietnam-France University), CFVG, and the PFIEV program.

PFIEV brings together top Vietnamese universities - Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Danang University, and Hanoi University of Civil Engineering - with around 30 leading French engineering schools to train Vietnamese engineers to international standards. Many universities also offer dual-degree programs, and we aim to expand these partnerships further.

That is why, in the coming days, we expect to sign a new intergovernmental agreement on research and innovation. This will inject new momentum into this critical field. However, we do see one area for improvement: increasing the number of Vietnamese students studying in France.

We need a joint effort. France is fully ready to welcome more Vietnamese students in optimal conditions, offering world-class education with comparatively low tuition fees - thanks to significant public subsidies from the French government.

We strongly encourage all Vietnamese students who wish to pursue high-quality academic programs to consider studying in France.

Sustainable urban solutions and smart infrastructure

The Hanoi Metro Line 3, France’s €8 million clean air initiative, and other urban cooperation efforts demonstrate France’s role in supporting Vietnam’s rapid urbanization. Where do you see the greatest potential for future cooperation in transport, smart cities, and climate-resilient infrastructure?

These are indeed core sectors in our strategic partnership, aiming for Vietnam’s sustainable development. France has not only deep experience but also leading global firms ready to offer optimal solutions. Our public institutions have long been involved in these issues.

For example, the Île-de-France region - arguably the most advanced in urban transit alongside Tokyo - has a cooperation agreement with Hanoi. It is implementing concrete programs like Moov’ Hanoi, studying smart public transport systems to reduce traffic-related pollution.

The elevated segment of Metro Line 3 began operations in summer 2024 and has performed efficiently. I consider this a major success - not only in terms of technology but also as a model for skill transfer. The Vietnamese operating unit is now fully capable of managing the entire line independently.

Construction on the underground segment is ongoing. We are also considering involvement in future metro lines and urban transit projects in Ho Chi Minh City and other growing cities.

France is ready to offer innovative solutions. For example, urban cable car systems developed by Poma may suit smaller cities like Da Nang. These low-emission, cost-effective systems could greatly improve urban mobility at a fraction of the cost of metros or trams.
Ambassador Brochet at the commercial launch of Hanoi Metro Line 3 elevated segment, November 2024. Photo: French Embassy

Shared Indo-Pacific vision

France is a vital partner of ASEAN and increasingly active in the Indo-Pacific. How does Vietnam fit into France’s overall regional strategy? How can bilateral ties contribute to peace, stability, and inclusive growth in Southeast Asia?

Vietnam is a key partner in France’s Indo-Pacific strategy - one we pursue clearly and consistently. Vietnam is an increasingly influential and respected regional actor, a leading voice in ASEAN, and a stabilizing force. France strongly supports ASEAN’s centrality and works with all members to promote an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order.

France and Vietnam share a common vision of the Indo-Pacific grounded in respect for international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This commitment was reaffirmed in March 2025 through a joint diplomatic note submitted by France, Germany, and the UK to the UN, underscoring UNCLOS's role in resolving East Sea tensions.

France’s strategic presence in the region - including regular port visits like the Provence frigate’s call in Ho Chi Minh City in February 2025 and aircraft carrier group deployments - demonstrates our commitment to freedom of navigation and strategic dialogue.

The invitation by Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang for Minister Lecornu to attend the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu was deeply meaningful. It was a powerful act of shared remembrance, turning the past into a driver for stronger bilateral ties. I personally consider it a moment I will always remember.

I also closely followed and participated in Ho Chi Minh City’s celebrations of Vietnam’s 50th reunification anniversary. It was a historic moment and a foundation for Vietnam’s later reforms - an effort that France has long supported.

Additionally, we hope to support Vietnam’s efforts to develop cultural and creative industries, a sector aimed at contributing 7% of national GDP. France has strengths in film, performing arts, museology, and animation. These offer promising new areas for collaboration.

A concrete example: in May 2025, we are thrilled to see Vietnam’s national booth at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival - an achievement made possible through our support. This is an exciting sign of growing cultural ties and future cooperation.

Pham Vu Thieu Quang