Nghe An province delegation attends Vietnam - France Decentralized Cooperation Conference

From March 30 to April 4, 2019, the delegation of Nghe An province led by Mr. Le Hong Vinh - Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People's Committee attended the 11th Conference on Decentralized Cooperation between Vietnamese and French localities in Toulouse city, French Republic.

Vice Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People's Committee Le Hong Vinh (second from left) introduces Nghe An province to the host country's representative.

The conference was attended by 24 localities of Vietnam and 18 localities of France along with 60 French enterprises.

The conference focused on five topics: Material and intangible culture, challenges for sustainable development; The leading role of localities in cooperation in education and health; Combating climate warming and adapting to climate change; Sustainable economy: The position of economy, society and solidarity in Vietnam - France cooperation; From urbanization to sustainable cities.

Nghe An province delegation introduced to French enterprises the province's potential, strengths, and investment attraction. Photo::Nguyen The Than

The conference listened to valuable and practical opinions, statements, discussions, and experience exchanges from delegates of the two countries, contributing to strengthening and developing the relationship between Vietnam and France in general and between localities of Vietnam and France in particular.

On the sidelines of the Conference, there will also be an exhibition space, a Vietnam - France village, meetings and connections between localities and businesses of both sides to strengthen and expand cooperation and investment based on the strengths and needs of each locality and business.

The conference is an opportunity for Nghe An province to promote and introduce the province's history, culture, people, potential, advantages, and investment and business environment to the French community and businesses, contributing to promoting the friendly, traditional, and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and France in general and between Nghe An province and French partners in particular.

Currently, France is one of the largest European investors in Vietnam. In Vietnam, there are currently more than 300 French enterprises investing and doing business, creating jobs for 26,000 workers.

The Decentralized Cooperation Conference was first held in 1995 in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Since 2005, the conference has been held alternately between provinces/cities of Vietnam and France. The purpose is to strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship as well as to create conditions for building and developing partnerships in the fields of economics, health, culture, university training, environment, and cooperation between non-governmental organizations.

In 2019, Toulouse city, France was chosen as the venue to hold the 11th Vietnam - France Decentralized Cooperation Conference.