In the face of the unforeseeable developments of typhoon Lekima and the collapse of the Can Tho bridge span, PM Nguyen Tan Dung has decided to cut short his visit to France by a day and left for home at midday on October 3 (Hanoi time). Prior to his departure, Mr Dung met with the media to talk about the results of his official visit to France. The following is the full text of the interview.

Reporter: What is your assessment of our visit to France?

Mr Dung: The Vietnamese government delegation and I visited the Republic of France from September 30 to October 3 at the invitation of French Prime Minister Francois Fillon. During the visit, I met with France’s President, Prime Minister, other senior leaders and leading enterprises. The visit succeeded in the following areas:

Senior French officials commented on Vietnam’s renewal achievements and its increasing role and position in the region as well as in the international arena and expressed his hope that Vietnam would develop steadily in the future.

France regards Vietnam as an important and priority partner in its policies towards Asia, especially in the context that Vietnam is integrating deeper into the world economy and is likely to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2008-2009 term.

Secondly, in terms of economic relations, the two sides agreed on specific measures aimed at enhancing economic, trade and investment ties in line with their fine political relations, potential and strength.

French leaders pledged to consider increasing ODA to Vietnam and include it on their list of countries, which France has prioritised for trade promotion and encouragement to help French businesses invest in Vietnam. France is ready to invest in Vietnam’s major socio-economic development projects.

The Vietnamese government delegation and I also met with leaders from France’s leading groups. French business circles lauded the attractive business environment in Vietnam, which is considered a potential and lucrative market for their successful business. Enterprises from both sides signed more than 20 contracts and agreements worth of billions of US dollars.

Thirdly, Vietnam and France have agreed to work together in the areas of education and training, health, culture, science and technology. The French leaders confirmed that they will increase the number of scholarships and create the best possible conditions to raise the number of Vietnamese students studying in French, including universities and post-graduates. The two countries will enhance cooperation in the health sector and have agreed to sign a deal on the establishment of a Vietnamese cultural centre in France and a French cultural centre in Vietnam.

Lastly, Vietnam and France share some common views and opinions on international and global issues and have agreed to further discuss issues related to regional and international security and cooperate at multi-lateral forums. The two countries agreed that Vietnam will help France access other Southeast Asian and Asian countries, while France will assist Vietnam in expanding relations with the EU, particularly in negotiations for a new cooperation agreement to be signed with the EU to replace the previous agreement which was signed in 1995 in a move towards EU recognition of Vietnam as a market economy.

Reporter: Could you give an assessment on the future of Vietnam-France relations?

PM Dung: With a determination to consolidate and increase our traditional friendship, comprehensive long-term cooperation, and mutual trust, I believed that Vietnam-France relations will develop well in many fields, particularly in politics, economics, trade, investment, culture, education and training, and science and technology, meeting the aspirations and interests of both countries. In the coming period, both sides will increase high-ranking visits to cement and lift the bilateral relationship to a new height. During talks, President Sarkozy expressed his deep feelings towards Vietnam and said that he will pay an official visit to Vietnam in early 2008 to push forward cultural links and economic relations between the two countries.

Apart from political determination and helpful policies by the two governments, the signing of contracts and deals during the visit will provide fresh impetus for more trade and economic activities in the coming period for the sake of both countries’ prosperity and development.

The fine relationship between Vietnam and France will play an important role in accelerating links between France and other Asian countries, Vietnam and the EU, as well as relations between Asia and Europe in general. I think that this will be the most practical contribution of Vietnam in terms of international affairs, thus enhancing Vietnam’s role and position in the international arena.

Reporter: Thank you very much.