HCMC – Major French corporations have expressed interest in developing nuclear power and high-speed rail projects in Vietnam, and in expanding cooperation in the aerospace sector, according to the Government news site.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with leaders of several major French and European corporations in Paris, including energy giant EDF, on the morning of June 11 (local time) as part of his official visit to France.
Bernard Fontana, chairman and CEO of energy group EDF, said the company hopes to cooperate with Vietnam in developing nuclear power, renewable energy, and other sectors such as telecommunications and artificial intelligence.
The firm affirmed its readiness to support Vietnam in strengthening its capabilities in key areas, such as technology and workforce training.
EDF is a multinational energy group, majority-owned by the French Government. It is the world’s first major electricity producer with no direct CO2 emissions. The company is also a global and European leader in nuclear power operations and renewable energy generation.
Meeting with PM Chinh the same day, Henri Poupart-Laffarge, CEO of Alstom, said the company aims to accelerate the construction of Hanoi Metro Line 3’s Phase 2, HCMC Metro Line 2, and other new urban rail projects through 2035.
The leading transport solution provider also expressed interest in participating in Vietnam’s high-speed rail project and is willing to share its technology in this field. The firm seeks to partner with Vietnamese firms to help develop the country’s rail industry.
Also on the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the National Company of the French Railways. As a state-owned enterprise with over 80 years of experience, SNCF is one of the world’s leading rail operators and infrastructure managers.
The French side, including SNCF, expressed their readiness to support Vietnam in developing its railway infrastructure, especially high-speed rail projects.
Leaders of technology group Thales proposed joint projects in satellite telecommunications, including a telecom satellite for Vinasat 3.
Wouter van Wersch, chairman of aerospace group Airbus, proposed cooperation in space technology, particularly in providing advanced optical satellite solutions.
Airbus also expressed interest in working with Vietnam on fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, as well as the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
