AFD celebrates 30 Years of partnership with Vietnam for sustainable development goals
WVR - On the afternoon of October 24 in Hanoi, the French Embassy and the French Development Agency (AFD) organized a press meeting with development partners to commemorate 30 years of AFD's partnership with Vietnam on the path to sustainable development.
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| The press meeting with development partners on October 24, commemorating 30 years of AFD's partnership with Vietnam on the path to sustainable development. (Photo: Do Quyen) |
The event, chaired by French Ambassador Olivier Brochet, highlighted the achievements of cooperation over the past three decades and outlined new directions in energy, climate, and sustainable urban development.
Over the past three decades, AFD has become one of Vietnam's most significant bilateral development partners, committing over 3.3 billion Euros to 120 projects across the country.
From initial agricultural programs in the 1990s, AFD has expanded cooperation into key areas such as transport infrastructure, clean energy, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation. Nearly one-third of Vietnam's population has directly or indirectly benefited from these programs, demonstrating the strong, practical, and effective cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking at the ceremony, French Ambassador Olivier Brochet affirmed: “Thirty years of cooperation between Vietnam and AFD is a vivid testament to a long-standing bond, based on mutual trust and a shared vision for sustainable development. France always regards Vietnam as a strategic partner in Southeast Asia, where development cooperation is not just about support, but about sharing knowledge, technology, and responsibility for our common planet.”
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| French Ambassador Olivier Brochet speaking at the anniversary ceremony. (Photo: Do Quyen) |
The Ambassador emphasized that, in the context of the two countries recently upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2024), development cooperation holds special significance. This is a long-term sustainable field that concretizes the shared commitments of Vietnam and France on global issues, particularly in responding to climate change and ensuring a just energy transition.
Since 2019, AFD has supported Vietnam in its transition towards a low-carbon economy, in line with the commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. Through the "Team Europe" initiative, AFD mobilizes resources from grants, concessional loans to technical support, to enhance green transition and inclusive development.
In discussions with Vietnamese media, AFD's Country Director in Vietnam, Julien Seillan, stated: “For each cooperation project, we always have specific evaluation reports, which are publicly available on AFD's platforms so that stakeholders can track the results and impact of each activity.”
He noted that on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Vietnam and AFD, the agency embarked on a "journey back to the roots", revisiting many projects implemented 10 or 20 years ago. “It is gratifying to see that these works not only still exist but continue to be effective, bringing tangible benefits to people and communities. This is clear evidence of the sustainability of the cooperative efforts between the two sides,” he said.
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| AFD's Country Director in Vietnam, Julien Seillan, speaking at the anniversary ceremony. (Photo: Do Quyen) |
In his remarks, Mr. Seillan emphasized: “Vietnam is entering a new phase of development with significant challenges, especially in energy transition, climate change response, and sustainable urban infrastructure development. In response to these needs, AFD not only acts as a financial sponsor but also as a partner, providing technical support, capacity building, and developing new tools to help Vietnam effectively implement large-scale projects.
In urban transport, AFD particularly focuses on supporting Vietnam in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable, green public transport. A notable project is Hanoi's Metro Line 3, a clear demonstration of AFD's commitment to supporting local governments and the Vietnamese state in developing modern, environmentally friendly transport infrastructure that offers long-term benefits to the public.
From its role as a bilateral development finance institution, AFD has become a trusted strategic partner for Vietnam on the journey towards sustainable development. Thirty years of cooperation is a testament to a relationship built on trust, sharing, and joint action for long-term development goals.
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| Over the past three decades, AFD has become one of Vietnam's most significant bilateral development partners. (Photo: Do Quyên) |
The anniversary on October 24 not only marks a three-decade journey of effective cooperation but also reaffirms the shared commitment of Vietnam and France in a new phase, jointly promoting sustainable development, green transition, and aiming for carbon neutrality, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
