French National Day reception in Ho Chi Minh City highlights growing Vietnam-France ties

The event was attended by vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Minh Thanh, French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Etienne Ranaivoson, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Que, consuls general from various countries, members of the French community, and representatives of French and Vietnamese businesses in the city.

Addressing the reception, French Consul General Ranaivoson said bilateral relations between France and Vietnam have gained strong momentum under the comprehensive strategic partnership established in October 2024.

He emphasized that France and Europe are reliable, long-term partners that respect Vietnam's sovereignty.

According to him, economic cooperation between France and Vietnam continues to grow, with bilateral merchandise trade exceeding €9.2 billion in 2025.

Including services, annual bilateral trade has far surpassed €10 billion. (US$1 = €0.87)

Beyond traditional areas such as transport, energy, aviation, and healthcare, France is stepping up cooperation with Vietnam in finance, technology, and innovation.

Ranaivoson added that educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries continues to expand.

Ho Chi Minh City is home to four French international schools with nearly 2,500 students, while more Vietnamese students are opting to study in France.

‘A future of peace, cooperation and sustainable development’

In his remarks, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Minh Thanh said the elevation of relations between Vietnam and France to a comprehensive strategic partnership has opened a new chapter in bilateral ties, reflecting a deepening political trust and shared determination to build a future of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

According to him, France's imprint can be seen across many aspects of life in Ho Chi Minh City, from architecture, education and culture to trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Thanh added that Ho Chi Minh City is entering a new stage of development, aspiring to become one of the region’s leading centers of economics, finance, science and technology, and innovation.

The city values more than ever the partnership and support of the French government, French local authorities, businesses, and communities.

He stated that Ho Chi Minh City looks forward to further expanding cooperation with French partners in areas where both sides possess complementary strengths and shared needs.

These include the development of public transport systems, seaports and logistics, smart urban development, the green transition and climate change adaptation, international finance, innovation, artificial intelligence, education, healthcare, and the training of high-quality human resources.

Beyond economic cooperation, Ho Chi Minh City looks forward to continuing to strengthen the bridges of friendship between the two peoples, so that more Vietnamese people may gain a deeper understanding of France, and more French people may find in Ho Chi Minh City a friend, a partner, and a trusted, welcoming destination.