During the visit to France by General Secretary To Lam in October last year, Vietnam and France announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

France became the first country in the European Union (EU) to forge such a high-level partnership with Vietnam.

Upgrading Vietnam-France relations to the highest diplomatic level has strengthened mutual trust and opened up new opportunities for comprehensive and in-depth cooperation across various fields.

It also enhances Vietnam’s voice and contributions at international forums and events.

France remains one of Vietnam’s leading partners in Europe and globally. The country values Vietnam’s strategic position in the region and incorporates it into its policies and strategies for Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Vietnam and France have increasingly become reliable and like-minded partners, sharing common goals for development and collaboration.

President Macron has shown great affection for Vietnam and an appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine. He has previously welcomed General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong for an official visit to France in March 2018, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in November 2021, and General Secretary To Lam in October 2024.

France is Vietnam’s fifth-largest European trading partner. In 2024, bilateral trade reached USD 5.42 billion, a 12.9 percent increase from USD 4.81 billion in 2023.

France ranks 16th out of 147 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 700 valid investment projects totaling USD 3.95 billion in registered capital. Conversely, Vietnam has 20 investment projects in France with a total registered capital of USD 38.93 million.

France is also Vietnam’s top bilateral ODA donor among European nations, with Vietnam ranking second in terms of French ODA recipients.

From 1993 to 2022, France provided and lent a total of EUR 16.7 billion, averaging EUR 100 million per year, focusing on infrastructure, technology transfer, agriculture, green industry, and finance.

Tran Thuong