HCMC – Vietnam is encouraging French companies to increase technology transfer and develop joint projects in energy, infrastructure and high technology, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh told French business representatives in Paris on March 11.
Dinh and Vietnam’s Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai met with representatives of MEDEF, the country’s largest employers’ federation, to discuss cooperation in science, technology, energy and infrastructure, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
The meeting was hosted by Benoît Clocheret, vice president of MEDEF International and chairman of the France–Vietnam Business Council. He described Vietnam as one of Asia’s dynamic markets and said MEDEF aims to strengthen links between the two countries’ business communities.
Executives from several French companies attended, including Airbus, EDF, Artelia, Assystem, Egis Group, CLS Collecte Localisation Satellites and La Poste Group.
Speaking at the meeting, Dinh noted that Vietnam is entering a new development stage with growing demand for science, technology, energy and infrastructure. With a population of more than 100 million and sustained economic growth, the country is seeking partners to support technology development and new projects.
Energy cooperation, including nuclear power, was among the topics discussed.
Ambassador Hai said that many countries are reassessing nuclear energy as a stable and low-carbon source as global concerns about energy security and climate change grow.
Vietnam is reviewing policies to ensure long-term energy security, diversify energy sources and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the ambassador.
The country is restarting plans to invest in the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant and Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant projects. Authorities are also working to improve the legal framework, strengthen management capacity and train personnel for the nuclear sector.
Vietnam has pledged to comply with international safety and non-proliferation standards and is cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency on nuclear governance.
French companies also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in high technology.
Airbus reported it has operated in Vietnam for more than 40 years, with more than 200 Airbus aircraft currently used by Vietnamese airlines. The company is also cooperating with Vietnamese partners in pilot training, aviation industry development and space projects, including the launch of the Earth observation satellite VNREDSat-1.
Engineering firms such as Assystem, Egis Group and Artelia showed interest in participating in energy and nuclear infrastructure projects in Vietnam, particularly in technical consulting, project management, workforce training and small modular reactor technology.
Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and promote specific cooperation projects. Dinh invited French companies to visit Vietnam to explore investment opportunities and technology partnerships.
