Việt Nam and France Explore Enhanced Technology Cooperation
Ho Chi Minh City, The Gulf Observer: The first Forum of Technologies (FORTEC), organized by La FrenchTech Vietnam, underscored the significant potential for Việt Nam and France to enhance their cooperation in the technology sector. The event, held on May 28, highlighted opportunities for collaboration in innovation and technology, building on the long-standing diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
Pierre Martin, Deputy Economic Counsellor at the French Embassy in Việt Nam, spoke at the forum, emphasizing the shared history and the evolving partnership between Việt Nam and France. He noted that innovation and technology are crucial to the future prosperity of both countries.
“Việt Nam’s tech sector has seen explosive growth, driven by a young, energetic workforce and a supportive government,” Martin stated. “France continues to be a global leader in technology and innovation, with a rich ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.”
He highlighted the role of La French Tech, a global initiative launched by the French government in 2013, in promoting and supporting French start-ups worldwide. French venture capital firms and investors are increasingly recognizing the potential of Việt Nam’s burgeoning start-up ecosystem. Martin cited Schneider Electric’s investment in Selex, a Vietnamese electric mobility start-up, as an example of this growing interest.
Martin also mentioned the involvement of French companies such as Thales in incubating Vietnamese cybersecurity start-ups, indicating a broader trend of French private sector support for Vietnamese innovation.
“We are ready to share our experience in institutional governance of innovation with any interested Vietnamese actors, whether the Vietnam National Innovation Centre in Hà Nội or the Saigon High Tech Park here in HCM City,” Martin added.
Hạnh Mai, President of French Tech Vietnam, described the inaugural FORTEC as a groundbreaking forum dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration. The event provided a platform for tech enthusiasts, start-ups, and corporates to showcase their innovations, engage in discussions, and network with industry leaders, investors, and peers. Key areas covered included artificial intelligence, greentech, digital health, edtech, and Industry 4.0.
Other speakers at the forum shared their insights into the technology industry and participated in interactive sessions on current tech trends. Benjamin Rachow, Country Managing Director of L’Oréal Vietnam, highlighted how technology is transforming the beauty industry. He cited the Maybelline and Teams virtual make-up app, which allows Microsoft Team users to enhance their onscreen appearance, as an example of how tech is helping companies connect more deeply with consumers and innovate.
The forum also featured a Startup Showcase introducing groundbreaking solutions from emerging start-ups, a networking program to help start-ups build valuable connections, and a P!TCH Competition where start-ups presented their visionary ideas.
