Tightening cooperation between Vietnamese businesses and the Francophonie

Vice- President of VCCI Hoang Quang Phong and Mr. Chékou Oussouman, Chief Representative of the Asia-Pacific region of International Organization of Francophonie

At the meeting with Mr. Chékou Oussouman, Chief Representative of the Asia-Pacific region of the International Organization of Francophonie (IOF), Permanent Vice- President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Hoang Quang Phong said that Vietnam has a good cooperative relationship with many Francophone countries in various fields. 

Along with promoting linguistic and cultural diversity, VCCI’s Vice President also wants the Francophonie to boost economic cooperation between OIF’s members and Vietnam. Currently, the cooperation space between Vietnamese businesses and the Francophonie is very open. Vietnam's large corporations have invested in African countries under the Francophonie such as Viettel, Xuan Thanh, etc.

In addition, Mr. Hoang Quang Phong also suggested expanding cooperation between businesses of both sides in potential fields such as tourism, education and training, agriculture, health care and medical services.

“VCCI is always aware of its responsibility in promoting the development of cooperation activities between the Vietnamese business community and Francophone countries. However, due to the impact of the current Covid-19 epidemic, the cooperation between businesses of the two sides is still ed. VCCI also committed to strengthening coordination with OIF to organize investment promotion seminars”, emphasized VCCI Vice President.

VCCI’s Permanent Vice President Hoang Quang Phong and VCCI’s officers worked with IOF’s representatives

Mr. Chékou Oussouman said that the Covid-19 epidemic has negatively affected all countries around the world. Therefore, economic cooperation becomes one of the priorities in IOF’s action programs. In November 2020, the member countries of the Francophonie adopted the Economic Strategy for the period 2020-2025 for the sustainable prosperity of a strong, united, inclusive and innovative Francophone Community.

IOF discussed with Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade to enhance trade and investment cooperation of both sides, which is currently assessed at a very low level compared to their potential opportunities. In the coming time, the two sides need to work together to create conditions for younger entrepreneurs to better understand each other, better grasp cooperation opportunities, while expanding cooperation with partners in Central Africa and West Africa such as Morocco, Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Cameroon…, said Mr. Chékou Oussouman.

As IOF's member, Vietnam is an important partner of the Francophone community. Vietnam is also a member of ASEAN and signed a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. Besides, Vietnam is on the axis of economic cooperation with Francophone countries in Africa - Asia, and the European Union. Therefore, economic cooperation with Vietnam will open up IOF's cooperation opportunities with the above partners.