French parliamentary group pledges economic support for Vietnam

President Christian Poncelet stated that France hopes that Vietnam can serve as a gateway to the wider Southeast Asian market for France and stands ready to assist Vietnam penetrate further into the European Union market.

President Sang stated that during a scheduled visit to France by the Vietnam Prime Minister later this month the Vietnam-France ties are expected to be elevated to a strategic partnership. Therefore, he hopes investment and trade ties between Vietnam and France also be upgraded and expanded to be on the level of a strategic partnership.

He added that Vietnam always treasures the relationship with France and thanked the delegation for their offer of assistance in negotiations on a free trade agreement with the European Union.

President Truong Tan Sang also asked the visiting delegation to support increased official development assistance and direct investment to Vietnam within the European Union countries as well as efforts to bolster co-operation with Vietnam in various fields.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung also had a meeting with the French delegation.

At the reception, Chairman Hung voiced his hope that the two countries' legislative bodies continue to widen their ties and strengthen delegation exchanges and the sharing of experience in law-making.

In addition, he stated that Vietnam highly values the activities of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group, which contributes greatly to the ties between the two legislative bodies.

The chairman invites the French parliament to attend the 132nd International-Parliamentary Union Assembly which Vietnam will host in 2015.

Poncelet said Vietnam and France share many similarities in numerous areas, which serves as a favourable condition for the two nations to boost multifaceted co-operation and exchanges.

He affirmed that France attaches much importance to establishing a strategic partnership with Vietnam, which is expected to bring about practical outcomes, opening up a new chapter in the traditional relations between the two countries and meeting the two peoples' expectations.

(Source:nhandannewspaperonline)