HCMC - HCMC authorities have reached out to France for investment in urban planning, particularly along the Saigon River, during their recent business trip to France.

During the trip, HCMC Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen met with the Movement of the Enterprises of France (Medef), French businesses investing in Vietnam, and planning experts. François Corbin, chairman of the French-Vietnam business association, acknowledged that while economic exchanges between the two countries have made progress, it has not fully matched the cultural, educational, and medical ties between them. French businesses have expressed their commitment to providing services in areas such as clean water, water source management, wastewater treatment, renewable energy, waste management, and public transportation in the near future. To realize these plans, French businesses will focus on two key solutions: implementing innovative and research-driven approaches in small and medium-sized enterprises, and enhancing digital technology to optimize project efficiency. HCMC officials expressed their desire to learn from France's experience in planning the Seine River and utilize it in the development of the Saigon River banks. They also pledged to create a favorable business environment for French firms in the city. In the short term, HCMC plans to prioritize the renovation and upgrading of corridors along the Saigon River near the city center as part of its economic and service development plan. From 2025 to 2045, the city aims to implement green infrastructure projects that integrate economic, tourism, and recreational activities to enhance the value of the river.