Promoting Vietnam-France cooperation in strategic mineral value chains
WVR - On April 22, at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC), the French Embassy in Vietnam organized a press meeting on the occasion of the 2026 International Exhibition on Mining and Construction Industry, focusing on resource extraction technology and mineral recovery.
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| Ambassador Olivier Brochet affirmed that mineral cooperation is a key focus within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and France. (Photo: Thu Trang) |
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 International Exhibition on Mining and Construction Industry, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet stated that cooperation between France and Vietnam in the field of strategic minerals is being promoted within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2024, with a focus on innovation, technology transfer, and enhancing resource management capabilities.
According to the Ambassador, these commitments have been concretized through a technical support program implemented by the French Geological and Mineral Research Bureau, focusing on areas such as improving the legal framework, strengthening mining industry management, and promoting mining models linked to the circular economy.
“Through cooperation, France aims to contribute to enhancing Vietnam's governance capacity and autonomous development of mineral resources, while ensuring environmental standards,” emphasized Ambassador Brochet.
The Ambassador also informed that, in addition to the public sector, future cooperation will continue to expand to the business sector, with connectivity initiatives expected to be implemented in 2026, thereby creating additional momentum for bilateral economic cooperation in sustainable mining.
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| Dr. Gael Bellenfant shares insights on Vietnam-France cooperation in environmental management and sustainable development in the mining sector. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
For his part, Dr. Gael Bellenfant, an expert in mining and mine closure at the French Geological and Mineral Research Bureau (BRGM), noted that Vietnam-France cooperation in the mineral sector is opening up many opportunities, especially as strategic minerals increasingly play a crucial role in the global supply chain.
According to him, the current focus of cooperation is on sharing environmental management experiences throughout the entire mine lifecycle, from exploration to closure and post-mining recovery.
“The appropriate approach is to integrate environmental factors from the outset, aiming towards a more responsible and sustainable mining industry,” the expert emphasized.
In the long term, both sides are discussing the possibility of expanding cooperation to enhance Vietnam's capacity across the entire mineral value chain, including exploration, mining, and deep processing.
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| An overview of the seminar "Environment in the Mine Lifecycle". (Source: French Embassy in Vietnam) |
Dr. Bellenfant informed that within the framework of cooperation between BRGM and the Vietnam Geological and Mineral Department, the French side also proposed enhancing technology transfer, training human resources, and supporting capacity building for monitoring.
“Strengthening auditing capabilities and data management will be the foundation for improving long-term resource management efficiency,” said Gael Bellenfant.
Additionally, experiences from France also show that managing mine waste, water resources, and integrating mining planning into development planning are key factors contributing to minimizing environmental risks and ensuring sustainable development.
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| Pierre Hugo, Deputy Director of the French Development Agency in Vietnam (AFD), emphasized that AFD will continue to accompany Vietnam in promoting sustainable development models. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
Continuing the discussion, Pierre Hugo, Deputy Director of the French Development Agency in Vietnam (AFD), emphasized that the agency's activities in Vietnam are implemented within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, focusing on global challenges such as climate change, green transition, and sustainable development.
According to him, in the mining sector, AFD not only provides financial support but also acts as a bridge to promote cooperation, mobilizing French expertise to help Vietnam access international standards.
“Through technical cooperation and knowledge sharing, we aim to accompany Vietnam in building sustainable development models from the early stages,” he stated.
Recognizing the potential of Vietnam's strategic minerals, the AFD representative believes this sector can significantly contribute to economic growth and the energy transition process.
In this context, cooperation between the two countries not only holds economic significance but also clearly demonstrates the role of development diplomacy, as France provides resources and shares experiences and standards to achieve Vietnam's long-term development goals.
He also affirmed that promoting projects that meet environmental criteria, reduce emissions, and use energy efficiently is a key factor, thereby contributing to realizing climate commitments and deepening the partnership between Vietnam and France.
Some booths and products displayed at the exhibition:
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