Nearly one-third of Vietnam’s population benefits from AFD-supported projects
Over the past 30 years, the French Development Agency (AFD) has invested more than US$3.8 billion in 120 projects across sectors such as energy, transportation, water supply, vocational training, and agriculture, improving the quality of life for nearly one-third of Vietnam’s population, said Julien Seillan, director of AFD Vietnam.
On Tuesday, the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and AFD—the agency responsible for implementing France's official development assistance policies—opened a photo exhibition showcasing key projects that highlight the strong partnership between France and Vietnam.
The photos are displayed on the outer wall of the French Residence at 6 Le Duan Street in Saigon Ward.
Deputy Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City Grégory Robert said the event took place in a historically significant year for France–Vietnam relations and marked an important milestone in their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Deputy Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City Grégory Robert speaks at the photo exhibition’s opening ceremony. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
"Through impactful and humanitarian projects implemented by AFD and its partners, high-level political commitments are transformed into concrete actions that benefit communities, promote cooperation, and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of France and Vietnam," Robert said.
AFD director Seillan noted that in the 1990s, projects focused on improving production value chains, product quality, and consumption, helping households and businesses boost their livelihoods.
For example, students and workers use the 'French' metro line No. 3 in Hanoi as a safe, punctual, and environmentally friendly means of transport, he said.
He also pointed to coastal communities that were once devastated by erosion, declining fishing grounds, and climate-related damage, but have seen recovery through coastal protection infrastructure and inclusive management projects.
Delegates visit the photo exhibition along the wall of the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City on Le Duan Street in Saigon Ward. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
AFD's mission in Vietnam, Seillan said, is to accompany the country toward sustainable development, climate resilience, and a low-carbon economy by 2045.
The agency has supported the country in projects such as flood prevention on the Saigon River, the Phuoc Hoa irrigation system, and riverbank reinforcement in Can Tho City.
The exhibition showcases 14 photos highlighting the achievements and cooperation between AFD and the Vietnamese government over the past 30 years. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
In the energy sector, AFD financed the 500kV Pleiku–Cau Bong transmission line, stabilizing power supply for Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces.
Current projects focus on coastal erosion control in Da Nang and Ca Mau, flood prevention in Can Tho, and drought mitigation.
"AFD has always delivered sustainable solutions to meet people's needs," Seillan said.
"Both France and Vietnam can take pride in 30 years of shared contributions to Vietnam's development.
"These three decades of AFD presence represent a story of close, meaningful cooperation.
"That spirit is what we've embedded in this exhibition."
Thanh Ha - Tran Phuong - Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre News
Link nội dung: https://news.tuoitre.vn/nearly-one-third-of-vietnams-population-benefits-from-afd-supported-projects-103251022161258998.htm