Vietnam and France Leaders Forum strengthens bilateral business ties

The forum marked a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Co-chaired by FPT chairman Truong Gia Binh and Artelia executive chairman Benoit Clocheret, the event was held during French President Emmanuel Macron’s official state visit to Vietnam.

Aerospace, banking and finance, energy, retail, healthcare, and education businesses attended the forum. Notable participants from Vietnam included the Vietnam Software & IT Services Association, FPT, Vietjet, CMC, BIDV, BRG Group, and TH Group.

On the French side, representatives from the French Embassy, the Movement of the Enterprises of France, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, French Foreign Trade Advisors, Business France, and major industry players such as Airbus, Alstom, TotalEnergies, Odyssey, Thales, Suez, EDF, SNCF, and Systra were in attendance.

The Vietnam-France Leaders Forum focused on strengthening business ties between France and Vietnam, leveraging both nations’ comprehensive strategic partnership and shared ambitions. It emphasised fostering collaboration, joint ventures, and lasting partnerships between leading companies to achieve mutual national transformation goals.

As part of the event, FPT and Odyssey Education signed a Letter of Intent, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to introduce high-quality French educational programmes into Vietnam’s national education system.

Odyssey Education is a French international education group that offers French curriculum from preschool through high school. It currently operates 13 campuses across Europe, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. The organisation is recognised by the Agency for French Education Abroad, under the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its role in advancing the global network of French education.

"Vietnam and France share a profound bond rooted in history and culture, which is a strong foundation for a future defined by innovation, shared prosperity, and strategic cooperation. I strongly encourage Vietnamese and French businesses to take the lead in forging new economic partnerships that reflect the dynamism of our two nations. The Vietnam–France Leaders Forum was created as a catalyst for this vision, bringing together leaders, ideas, and opportunities to build a prosperous future together,” said Truong Gia Binh, chairman of FPT.

To support French companies in addressing global challenges, the FPT chairman also proposed a co-location strategy, encouraging French businesses to establish a presence in markets where FPT actively expands its workforce.

"While France and Vietnam face different challenges, we also tackle similar ones in sustainable development, industrial digitalisation, and social transformation. That is why we encourage forum members to establish ventures and partnerships in both countries, and aim to attract more French companies to develop business in Vietnam, while encouraging Vietnamese corporations to expand into France," said Benoit Clocheret, Artelia executive chairman.

The forum featured discussions that delved into market insights, business expertise, and opportunities for bilateral collaboration. Representatives from Vietnamese and French businesses expressed strong interest in forming strategic partnerships in key areas such as sustainable energy, urban development, modern transportation, healthcare, retail, IT talent training, and financial services.

The forum is set to be held annually on a rotating basis between the two countries to sustain dialogue and jointly address evolving business challenges.

Private equity firm Creador announced the acquisition of a minority interest in FPT Long Chau Investment JSC on April 25 without disclosing deal value.

FPT announced on May 5 the full acquisition of David Lamm Consulting, a highly experienced German IT consulting company for the energy sector.

Vietnamese IT firm FPT Corporation (FPT) on May 16 entered into strategic partnerships with two of Thailand’s leading enterprises, Sunline and Buzzebees to deepen technological and business collaboration between the two nations amid their shared momentum in digital economic growth.