When Vietnam and France forge a new strategic partnership

Asked why two-way trade between Vietnam and France is smaller than it could be, Khuong mentioned the difference in business culture. Regarding Vietnamese work culture, he noted the lack of long-term planning. 

When the French want to build a subway, they plan the land use in advance and build it under a 100-year strategy. Meanwhile, Vietnam tends to clear land while as the construction proceeds. Vietnamese businesses tend to neglect follow-through after signing agreements, “forgetting” to send people to closely follow the next steps of the project. French businesses need sustainable commitment and professional support after each signing.

You may not know that for the projects that the French built hundreds of years ago, they kept informing the Vietnamese side of the maintenance schedule for equipment and construction works. They are responsible in everything they do, have archives, and have a very long-term vision.

Administrative hurdles also pose challenges. Some French businesses told me that they do not know where to apply for a license, which ministry to contact, and who is the focal point for handling the issue. The lack of information also makes them feel “stuck” when entering the Vietnamese market, even though they really want to cooperate.

Long-term thinking: a lesson from France

It seems that France’s “100-year” mindset is both a barrier and a lesson?

Absolutely. French projects are planned 30-40 years ahead. When building a metro, they plan 30-40 years in advance and clear the land before starting construction. They also consider social and environmental impact and sustainable development.

Vietnam’s lack of long-term vision can inflate costs, lower management quality, and erode partner trust. A French firm once said they didn’t know which ministry to contact once problems arose. This is a “soft barrier” which must be addressed to attract high-quality investment.

What are the three strategic pillars for Vietnam-France cooperation?

Party Chief To Lam highlighted four Politburo’s key resolutions on science and technology, international integration, private economy, and legislation as institutional pillars for development. 

For deep cooperation with partners, I think we should choose the fields that can go a long way. It is not just an export story but a story of two countries developing science and technology together, conquering different markets.

I choose the following three pillars for cooperation as a strategic triangle between the two countries: trade – investment; technology; and culture - socio-politics. 

In trade-investment, Vietnam excels in textiles, footwear, and agriculture. We export a lot to the European market, but the exports to France remain very modest.

This is not because Vietnamese goods do not meet standards, but because we lack experts who have a deep understanding about the French and EU markets. If France accompanies Vietnam, works together and supports, Vietnamese goods can completely penetrate the entire EU bloc.

In terms of technology, France leads in clean energy, healthcare, environment, and AI. They not only have technology but also have strong commercialization capabilities. Vietnam needs to anticipate that trend not by passive transfer but by cooperative absorption, from food processing to clean technology.

In terms of culture - politics - society, this is the foundation for building strategic trust. France has a vision for 2030 with a focus on Asia - Pacific, and they consider Vietnam as a gateway.

In culture-politics-society, this pillar builds strategic trust. France’s 2030 vision prioritizes Asia-Pacific, with Vietnam as a gateway, while Vietnam sees France as a bridge to Europe and Africa. This mutual “gateway” perspective fosters long-term strategic alignment.

Not just a friend, but a strategic partner

What are the key solutions to make these ideas come true?

Vietnam needs an accountable inter-agency cooperation mechanism, ensuring French businesses know whom to contact for project support and issue resolution. Building a team of experts with in-depth understanding about French culture, law, and markets, which are ‘soft connectors’, is crucial. Many Vietnamese products meet EU standards but lack guidance to enter France.

Your story suggests Vietnam and France are not just friends but strategic partners in a new era.

Sure. We seek partners for long-term shared visions, not short-term ties. A strong handshake between the two sides, if succeeding, can open an Asia-Europe cooperation corridor.

Thanh Hue - Le Anh Dung